Kinesiology 3336A/B Lecture Notes - Lecture 7: Intercondylar Area, Weight-Bearing, Lateral Condyle Of Femur

• School: Western University
• Department: Kinesiology
• Course: Kinesiology 3336A/B
• Professor: Dave Humphreys

Document Summary

Contains 3 bones and 3 articulating surfaces: between the medial and lateral condyles of the femur and tibia (tibiofemoral joint, and between the patella and femur ( patellofemoral joint) Knee can move through flexion, extension and rotation. Takes place between the bottom of the femur and the top of the menisci. Takes place between the bottom of the menisci and the tibia. Rotation occurs during last few degrees of extension because the medial femoral condyle is larger than lateral: if foot is planted, femur rotates medially, if femur is flexed, tibia rotates laterally. This locks the joint to increase stability. The popliteus then must contract to externally rotate the femur on the tibia to unlock the knee: helps get leg out of extension. More stable in extension: better bony fit, screw home mechanism. Knees have relatively bony fit when flexed. Knee has a strong fibrous joint capsule: helps strengthen knee, 1 ligament built into capsule on medial side.