Kniecomponenten

Kniecomponenten refers to the individual parts that make up the knee joint. The knee is a complex hinge joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Its primary function is to allow for flexion and extension of the leg, as well as some degree of rotation.

The main bony components of the knee are the distal end of the femur, the proximal end of the tibia, and the patella, or kneecap. The patella sits in a groove on the front of the femur and acts as a lever for the quadriceps muscles, improving the efficiency of leg extension.

Soft tissue structures are crucial for knee stability and function. These include ligaments, which are strong bands of connective tissue that connect bone to bone. The four major ligaments of the knee are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The ACL and PCL are located within the joint and prevent excessive forward and backward movement of the tibia relative to the femur, respectively. The MCL and LCL are on the sides of the knee and prevent excessive sideways motion.

Cartilage is another vital component. The articular cartilage covers the ends of the femur and tibia, providing a smooth, low-friction surface for joint movement. The menisci, two C-shaped pieces of fibrocartilage located between the femur and tibia, act as shock absorbers and help to distribute weight across the joint.

Tendons, such as the quadriceps tendon and the patellar tendon, connect muscles to bones and transmit the force needed for movement. The muscles themselves, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, are also considered functional components of the knee's action.