The knee is one of the most used parts of the body. It is essential in movement, especially when walking, running, jumping, etc. The knee is a joint and the central part of the leg. It is considered the largest joint of the human body! The knee is a pivotal hinge joint, which allows flexion and extension as well as slight medial and lateral rotation. For humans, the knee supports nearly all the weight of the body, meaning the knee joint is open to both acute injury and the process of developing osteoarthritis which is inflammation, and breakdown of joints, eventually leading to the loss of cartilage. The knee joint is protected by the patella/kneecap. The knee joint has a cushiony protection called the articular cartilage. This cartilage protects the ends of the femur, tibia, and kneecap. Ligaments in the knee stabilize rotational movements of the knee(forwards, backwards, and sideways). The collateral ligaments on the side of the knee act as a restriction for angular movements.
The anterior cruciate ligament attaches the tibia to the femur. This helps to limit the forward/rotational movements of the knee. The posterior cruciate ligament helps to limit the backward motion of the tibia. Both these ligaments act together to manage the amount of stress put on the knee while walking, running, jumping, etc.
FUN FACTS!
Babies are.. born without kneecaps?! The knobbles on our knees are all different(kind of like fingerprints!)