The knee joint, the largest joint in your body, contains several key structures working together to enable movement and support weight.
Bones and Joint Capsule
- The primary bones are the femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). These are held together by a joint capsule, a strong, fibrous structure. (Cleveland Clinic, Arthritis Foundation) The patella sits at the front of the knee, within the quadriceps muscle. (Reference provided)
Cartilage and Meniscus
- Articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur and tibia, providing a smooth, low-friction surface for the bones to glide against each other. (Arthritis Foundation)
- The menisci are C-shaped pieces of cartilage that act as shock absorbers and help distribute weight evenly across the knee joint. Tears in the meniscus are a common source of knee pain. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, Medical News Today)
Ligaments
- Several crucial ligaments provide stability to the knee:
- Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL): Located on the inner side of the knee. Injury or overuse of the MCL is a frequent cause of inner knee pain. (Redefine Healthcare, Bupa UK)
- Other ligaments (not explicitly named in references) contribute to the overall knee stability.
Synovial Fluid
- The knee joint is lubricated by synovial fluid, which is crucial for reducing friction and providing nourishment to the cartilage. (Prof Adrian Wilson)
Bursa
- Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint and reduce friction between tendons, muscles, and bones. Inflammation of the bursae (bursitis) can cause pain. (Mayo Clinic)
In summary, the knee joint is a complex structure containing bones, cartilage, ligaments, menisci, synovial fluid, and bursae, all working together to enable movement, provide stability and absorb shock.
