Understanding the structures that make up the knee can help you pinpoint the source of discomfort:
Smooth articular cartilage covers bone ends to allow gliding. Two rubbery pads called menisci act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. Understanding the structures that make up the knee
The quadriceps (front) straighten the knee, while the hamstrings (back) bend it. Tendons connect these muscles to the bones. Common Knee Problems Tendons connect these muscles to the bones
The joint is formed by the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). The fibula (calf bone) runs alongside the tibia but is not a primary weight-bearing part of the joint. Knee Pain Guide: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment -
Knee Pain Guide: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment - DonJoy Store
These "rope-like" tissues hold bones together. Key ones include the ACL and PCL (control front-to-back motion) and the MCL and LCL (control side-to-side stability).