Examples of Joint II

Hip Joint

Components: Head of femur ↔ acetabulum of hip bone

Classification: Synovial (ball-and-socket)

Movement: Flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, medial rotation, lateral rotation, circumduction

Hip Joint: Articular Capsule

Strong capsule surrounding the ball-and-socket joint of the hip, reinforced by several ligaments

Hip Joint: Iliofemoral Ligament

Strongest, thickened ligament in the body to prevent hyperextension of the hip.

Hip Joint: Pubofemoral Ligament

Thickened portion of the articular capsule that prevents excessive abduction of the thigh and strengthens the joint.

Hip Joint: Ischiofemoral Ligament

Thickened portion of the articular capsule that strengthens the hip joint and limits excessive movement.

Hip Joint: Ligament of the Head of the Femur

Flat, triangular band that connects the femur to the acetabulum and carries a small blood vessel to the femoral head.

Hip Joint: Acetabular Labrum

Fibrocartilage rim of acetabulum that deepens the acetabulum and increases hip stability.

Hip Joint: Transverse Acetabular Ligament

Strong ligament that bridges the acetabular notch and supports the acetabular labrum.

Knee Joint

• Components: Femur ↔ tibia and patella

• Classification: Synovial (modified hinge)

• Movement: Flexion, extension, and medial and lateral rotation

Knee Joint: Articular Capsule

A mostly incomplete capsule of the knee joint formed primarily by surrounding muscle tendons and their expansions, with only some true capsular fibers directly connecting the articulating bones.

Knee Joint: Medial and Lateral Patellar Retinacula

Fused tendons from the quadriceps femoris and fascia lata (thigh fascia) that help stabilize and strengthen the front (anterior) of the knee joint.

Knee Joint: Patellotibial Ligament

Continuation of the quadriceps tendon from patella to tibial tuberosity that strengthens the front of the knee and is separated from the joint by an infrapatellar fat pad.

Knee Joint: Oblique Popliteal Ligament

Broad, flat ligament extending from the femur (intercondylar fossa and lateral condyle) to the tibia (head and medial condyle); strengthens the posterior knee joint.

Knee Joint: Arcuate Popliteal Ligament

Ligament extending from the lateral femoral condyle to the styloid process of the fibular head; strengthens the lower lateral posterior knee joint.

Knee Joint: Tibial Collateral Ligament

Broad, flat, medial knee ligament from femur to tibia; stabilizes inner knee and attaches to the medial meniscus.

Knee Joint: Fibular Collateral Ligament

Strong, rounded ligament on the lateral knee ligament from lateral condyle femur to fibular head; stabilizes outer knee.

Knee Joint: Intracapsular Ligaments

Two strong, crossed ligaments inside the knee joint capsule (ACL and PCL) that connect the tibia and femur and cross each other to help stabilize the knee.

Knee Joint: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Ligament inside the knee that connects the intercondylar tibia to the lateral condyle femur and prevents the tibia from sliding too far forward.

Knee Joint: Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)

Ligament inside the knee that connects the intercondylar tibia to the medial condyle femur and prevents the tibia from sliding too far backward, especially when walking downhill or downstairs.

Knee Joint: Articular Discs (Menisci)

Two fibrous cartilage discs between the tibial and femoral condyles to absorb shock, circulate synovial fluid, and distribute weight

Knee Joint: Medial Meniscus

C-shaped cartilage pad between the femur and tibia that cushions the knee and improves joint fit.

Knee Joint: Lateral Meniscus

Nearly O-shaped cartilage pad between the femur and tibia that cushions the knee and improves joint fit.

Knee Joint: Prepatellar Bursa

Fluid-filled sac between the patella (kneecap) and skin that reduces friction.

Knee Joint: Infrapatellar Bursa

Fluid-filled sac between the tibia and patellar ligament that reduces friction.

Knee Joint: Suprapatellar Bursa

Fluid-filled sac between the femur and quadriceps femoris muscle that reduces friction.