There are certain things you need to know about the knee anatomy. The human body is a complex structure filled with organs and systems that are unique and fascinating. Understanding the intricacies of the human body and how it functions can be difficult to do. With so much to learn, how could anyone grasp it all? While some individuals have mastered the knowledge associated with the human body, others learn best by focusing on one region of the amazing structure individually and learning about it alone before moving on.
The following information does the latter. This article will focus on knee anatomy and what unique and interesting elements are part of this sometimes forgotten but no less important region of the body.
About The Knee
Understanding Knee anatomy involves the understanding of this region of the body to our overall working structure. Walking successfully, running, and other activities that are taken for granted daily would not occur without the knee functioning properly. One type of reason for this is because the knee is the largest joint in the body, Because of its size and the fact that knee anatomy contains four large bones, the knee is both impressive, dominating, and overly important to our functioning.
The Bones Of The Knee
The femur, the tibia, the fibula, and the patella are the four bones of which the Antomy of the human knee consists. Covering these bones is another important part of the knee construction. There is articular cartilage covering the region. This type of cartilage is very hard in its texture and smooth. The goal of this material known as cartilage is to absorb the friction of the movement that occurs within the joint that is knee. Most movement of the knee takes place between the patella, tibia, and femur, all of which are coated in the articular cartilage.
The “Other Stuff”
Knee anatomy may be dominated by the bones; however, there are other important elements of its consistence. The knee joint also has thick ligaments that are present around the entire knee. This knee capsule, as it is often referred to, is actually a nourishing substance which takes care of providing the nutrients necessary to the knee. The names of the ligaments that help to provide the stability necessary for knee functioning are as follows:
- LCL-Lateral Collateral Ligament
- MCL-Medial Collateral Ligament
- ACL-Anterior Cruciate Ligament
- PCL-Posterior Cruciate Ligament
Of these ligaments, the most popular one that is damaged is the ACL, which many athletes or those with active lives have experienced. The knee , however, is reliant on all of these ligaments and damaging one can greatly harm the functionality of this portion of the body. These ligaments are meant to protect against impact and force upon the knee, however, sometimes this force becomes too much and there is damage which occurs. Knee injuries can be very painful. The menisci is also the knee cartilage which again, act as absorbers of force and shock on or near the knee.
Not to be outdone, the knee also has very important muscles associated with it. In knee anatomy quadriceps and hamstrings also play an important part. They help to strengthen the stability of the joint and allow it to move in the range of motion appropriate to it. Without the muscles, the knee simply could not do its job successfully.
Wrapping It Up
Just as with any body part, knowing the knee anatomy can enlighten and bring understanding to how the processes of the body work. Knowing this is more than just fun for trivia night. Understanding just some of your body’s anatomical structure, means potentially better understanding when there is a problem with it