Skeletal+System

=The Knee=

The tibiofemoral joint (knee joint) is the largest diarthrosis joint in the body and is a highly complex synovial joint that consists of an array of diversely sized ligaments. It primarily functions as a hinge joint but can also perform slight rotational movement and lateral gliding.The function of the knee is to allow movement of the leg and is critical to normal walking. The knee could flex to a maximum of 135 degrees and extends to 0 degrees.

The knee has a few different body parts in it that are essential in making it function properly. They include the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments and tendons which all play major key roles in working together effortlessly for the knee to work. The hamstring allows the movement of the knee joint. The quadricep pulls on the bones contracting to extend the knee, whilst the hamstring flex when it contracts. The muscles cross between the knee joints and are attached to the tibia by tendons.

Two major ligaments that have a major role in the knee are known as the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL). For the knee to be extended, the ACL has to be tightened to prevent hyperextension whereas the PCL holds the femur in place and stops the tibia from being displaced. These two intracapsular ligaments are located deep in the joint cavity and together form an X. //When the knee is extended as far as the ACL allows, the femur rotates medially on the tibia. This motion locks the knee and makes all the ligaments become twist and taut // to prevent injury from occurring to any part of the knee.

Although there are many problems that can occur to the knee area, there are two categories that these injuries can be place into. They are known as mechanical knee problems and inflammatory problems. A mechanical knee problem occurs from one of two incidences, that are either caused by a sudden movement or direct blow that strain the knee or from osteoarthritis in the knee which causes the wear and tear of cartilage. Inflammatory knee problems refer to knee injuries the cause swelling, these injuries can be cause by a number of different reasons.

The function of the knee is attributed to a wide range of motion's that the different bones of the knee perform and knee's ability to resist the great forces that are placed upon it.