The knee is made up of the lower end of the thigh bone (femur), which rotates on the upper end of the shin bone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella), which slides in a groove on the lower end of the femur. Large ligaments attach to the femur and tibia to provide stability. The long thigh muscles (quadriceps) give strength to the knee.
1. Ligaments: These are strong bands of tissue that provide stability to the knee joint, preventing excessive movement and ensuring proper alignment.
2. Menisci: The knee also contains two crescent-shaped cartilage structures called the medial meniscus and lateral meniscus.
3. Articular Cartilage: The ends of the femur, tibia, and patella are covered by articular cartilage, which is a smooth, slippery substance.
4. Synovial Fluid: Inside the knee joint, the synovial membrane produces a thick fluid called synovial fluid.
5. Muscles: The muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps and the hamstrings, play a key role in controlling movement and providing strength to the joint.