Major Ligaments of the Knee Joint
Anterior view of the knee joint, showing some of the major ligaments. The patella ligament is situated on the anterior aspect of the knee joint, and is not visible is this diagram.
Patellar ligament – a continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon distal to the patella. It attaches to the tibial tuberosity.
Collateral ligaments – two strap-like ligaments. They act to stabilize the hinge motion of the knee, preventing excessive medial or lateral movement
Tibial (medial) collateral ligament – A wide and flat ligament, found on the medial side of the joint. Proximally, it attaches to the medial epicondyle of the femur, distally it attaches to the medial condyle of the tibia.
Fibular (lateral) collateral ligament – Thinner and rounder than the tibial collateral, this attaches proximally to the lateral epicondyle of the femur, distally it attaches to a depression on the lateral surface of the fibular head.
Cruciate Ligaments – These two ligaments connect the femur and the tibia. In doing so, they cross each other, hence the term ‘cruciate’ (Latin for like a cross)
Anterior cruciate ligament – attaches at the anterior intercondylar region of the tibia where it blends with the medial meniscus. It ascends posteriorly to attach to the femur in the intercondylar fossa. It prevents anterior dislocation of the tibia onto the femur.
Posterior cruciate ligament – attaches at the posterior intercondylar region of the tibia, and ascends anteriorly to attach to the anteromedial femoral condyle. It prevents posterior dislocation of the tibia onto the femur.









