Knee Joint
If Q = saphenous nerve: purely sensory; supplies the knee joint via the subsartorial plexus, skin over the front of the patella, and the anteromedial leg
What our notes say
- If Q = saphenous nerve: purely sensory; supplies the knee joint via the subsartorial plexus, skin over the front of the patella, and the anteromedial leg (Aponeurosis — Anatomy Question Bank)
- Floor: popliteal surface of femur, knee joint capsule, popliteus (Master First-Year Anatomy: Must-Know Essays & Key Concepts)
Study material on Knee Joint
- Lower Limb Anatomy MCQ Compilation
- Weekly Year 1: Anatomy Exam - June 12, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 1: Anatomy Exam - June 5, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 1: Anatomy Exam - May 29, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
- Weekly Year 1: Anatomy Exam - May 22, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
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Practice questions on Knee Joint
Which structure is intrasynovial at the knee joint
- Oblique popliteal ligament
- Tendon of popliteus
- Medial and lateral menisci
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- None of the above
Answer: E. While the cruciate ligaments and tendon of popliteus are intracapsular (inside the fibrous capsule), they are actually extrasynovial as they are covered by synovial membrane. The menisci are also intracapsular but not truly intrasynovial. ---
The 'screw-home' movement in extension of the knee joint begins with tightening of the
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Oblique popliteal ligament
- Medial collateral ligament
- Lateral collateral ligament
- Posterior cruciate ligament
Answer: A. The screw-home mechanism involves automatic lateral rotation of the tibia on the femur during the last 20-30 degrees of extension. This is initiated by tightening of the anterior cruciate ligament, which causes the tibia to rotate laterally to achieve full extension and "lock" the knee. ---
At the knee joint
- The fibular collateral ligament is attached to the lateral meniscus and joint capsule
- There are three main gaps in the joint capsule
- The tibial collateral ligament is tight in flexion
- The posterior cruciate ligament is attached to the lateral condyle of the femur
- The cruciate ligaments are sensitive and the menisci are not
Answer: E. The cruciate ligaments are richly innervated and sensitive to pain and proprioception. The menisci have nerve supply only at their peripheral attachments, with the central portions being relatively avascular and aneural. The fibular collateral ligament is NOT attached to the lateral meniscus. ---
Which of the following structures lies within the knee joint?
- Patellar ligament
- Tibial collateral ligament
- Fibular collateral ligament
- Tendon of popliteus
- Patellar retinacula
Answer: A. The tendon of popliteus is intracapsular (within the fibrous capsule), passing through the joint. The collateral ligaments and patellar structures are extracapsular. ---
Regarding the movements at the knee joint
- Popliteus 'unlocks' the extended knee by producing medial rotation of the femur
- There is no active rotation of the extended knee
- Passive extension of the knee does not result in 'locking' of the joint
- The posterior cruciate ligament prevents backward displacement of the femur on the tibial plateau
- The major role of the menisci is in flexion/extension of the knee
Answer: A. In full extension, the knee is "locked" and no active rotation is possible. Rotation only occurs when the knee is flexed. Popliteus unlocks the knee by laterally rotating the femur (or medially rotating the tibia). ---
Which structure is intrasynovial at the knee joint:
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Posterior cruciate ligament
- Menisci
- Patellar ligament
Answer: A. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments are considered intrasynovial, meaning they are covered by the synovial membrane. The menisci are within the joint but are not covered by the synovial membrane, and the patellar ligament is an extension of the quadriceps tendon and is extrasynovial.