A complex bone and cartilage formation, which consists of a large number of different elements, is a knee joint. Thanks to these components, the joint becomes multifunctional and maneuverable, but, unfortunately, subject to various injuries. The structure, features and injuries - further in our article.
Characteristic
The knee joint is one of the largest. It is part of the lower limb belt and guarantees dynamics and statics. If a person has limited normal working capacity, there is a sharp decrease in physical activity and a decrease in working capacity.
Anatomy
If we rely on data obtained from anatomical sources, we can conclude that the knee joint has a block-spherical shape. It is formed from the following pineal glands:
- lower femur;
- upper tibia;
- patella - a rounded section of the tubular bone.
Knee anatomy is very interesting and informative. There is nothing superfluous in it, and each part fulfills a specific and important purpose. Next, we consider this point in more detail.
Surrounding muscles
The muscles surrounding the knee joint guarantee proper functioning. They are placed around him and are:
- leading;
- bending;
- extensor.
They fix the knee. Note that there are several types of muscles in the joint. Each of them has its own task and structure. The following muscles are distinguished:
- On the frontal part of the thigh, a person has a quadriceps muscle. She is the most significant in the human body. This muscle is attached to the surface of the tibia and patella.
- The muscle of the knee joint. She is responsible for the movement of the lower leg and thigh.
- Sartorius. Helps lower legs move in different directions. She goes around the surface of the femur around the patella. Attaches to the tibia.
- At the pubic bone originates the bisarticular thin muscle. It is attached to the tibia. It is classified as a muscle flexing the knee joint.
- The popliteal muscles are assisted in flexion of the lower leg and rotation of the knee .
- Semi-tendon. They make it possible to perform extensor and rotational movements of the lower leg and thigh.
- The calf muscles are responsible for flexion of the lower leg in the ankle and knee.
- Popliteal. They guarantee rotation and bending of the lower leg. Located on the back of the knee.
Ligaments
What are they needed for? Each knee joint is held by them. Ligaments are extracapsular and intracapsular. The first are outside the cavity. The second are located inside the joint cavity.
For extracapsular and internal ligaments include:
- Tibial collateral ligament. It takes its own origin from the medial condyle and falls down.
- Fibular. It starts from the lateral epicondyle and drops below.
- Ligament of the patella. This is a continuation of the quadriceps tendon.
- Medial and lateral. It is a prolongation of the quadriceps muscle.
- The patellar ligament-supporting oblique and arched popliteal ligament.
- Cruciate ligaments.
- Transverse.
- Front and back meniscus.
All of the listed ligaments of the knee carry out their predetermined functions. Therefore, it is very important to monitor their condition. If deviations or pain occur, you should immediately seek qualified medical help. Otherwise, serious complications and suppression of motor activity are possible.
Muscles of the knee
What is their function? The muscles acting on the knee joint of a person are responsible for his work. It is because of this that everyone has the ability to move around.
Flexion and extension, supination and pronation, back-forward movement are guaranteed.
All of the above functions are supported by the following muscles of the knee joint:
- two-headed;
- semi-tendon;
- semi-membranous;
- fine;
- tailor;
- gastrocnemius;
- plantar;
- straight;
- medial;
- lateral;
- intermediate;
- popliteal.
Menisci
What it is? These are cartilaginous formations of a trihedral shape, which serve as a special elastic gasket and help redistribute weight. If they were not there, all the burden would be concentrated in a single place. Damage to the meniscus entails thinning and deformation of the cartilage, impaired stability of the knee joint.
In the human body, there are two types of menisci, which are combined among themselves by a special transverse ligament. The following types are distinguished:
- Lateral. This is the outward meniscus. It is less susceptible to damage due to its significant mobility.
- Interior. Located close to the internal lateral ligament. It is characterized by frequent traumatization, as it has less lability.
The knee joint has a very complicated device. He takes on a huge load, providing the most complex actions.
Functional load
The lower limbs are most often exposed to various injuries and pathologies. Its main functions are flexion, extension and support. All these functions guarantee ligaments, bones, cartilage and muscles of the knee joint.
Tendons experience maximum stress daily. The knee joint itself is considered to be articulated and has a rather complicated biomechanics. As a result, a large number of different movements are provided.
Even minor negative signs should not be ignored, as they can indicate a serious illness that is forming. In order to prevent serious complications, it is important to start treatment in due time. Every person needs to take care of the limbs and have an idea of their anatomy.
What injuries are there?
As mentioned earlier, the knee has a complex structure. Every day, the muscles that extend the knee joint and flex it are subjected to enormous loads. As a result of this, unforeseen situations occur. Injury occurs.
The most common injuries are ruptures of ligaments and menisci. The cause of the gap is mainly kicks, falls, as well as sports. Often such injuries are accompanied by fractures. The fact that there was damage to the knee joint, regardless of the cause, is virtually the same evidence. These include:
- the occurrence of sharp pain;
- swelling in the area of damage;
- redness and concentration of fluid.
In some cases, during an injury, a person may not notice any of the above symptoms at all. They begin to appear only after a few hours.
Various diseases can cause discomfort in the knee joint, such as arthritis, bursitis, gout, gonarthrosis, or meniscopathy. Each disease has a negative effect and can cause serious consequences. Treatment in each individual case is prescribed individually, depending on the diagnosis and neglect of the pathology. Diseases should be diagnosed in a timely and professional manner. During treatment, it is very important to follow all doctor's prescriptions. During this period, it is required to provide the person with complete rest and not to load the limbs, as this can significantly aggravate the situation.
It is scientifically proven that with damage to the knee joint or the development of diseases associated with it, the negative effect extends to the entire bone system of the lower extremities. That is why it is very important to seek competent medical help in a timely manner. It is strictly forbidden to engage in self-medication, as this can cause the development of serious complications.
Conclusion
So, we examined how the muscles of the knee joint of a person are arranged. As you can see, this is a very important part of the musculoskeletal system, which has a complex structure and directly affects its performance.