Kategorier: Alla - sensory - pathways

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Lumbar and hips

The thigh region is anatomically complex, involving various muscles, bones, and sensory pathways. The primary and secondary somatosensory cortexes in the brain play crucial roles in processing sensory information from the thigh, including touch, proprioception, and pain.

Lumbar and hips

Lumbar and hips

lumbo-pelvic

CNS connection
Basal Ganglia Influence

movement initiation, modulation, and coordination, contributing to the overall goal-directed movement of the pelvis and lower limbs.

influence behavioral control and movement planning, indirectly affecting movement efficiency and precision.

Cerebellar Influence

smooth and coordinated control of trunk and pelvic movements, essential for balance and gait.

vermis and the flocculonodular lobe of the cerebellum are the primary regions responsible for these functions, known as the spinocerebellum (for trunk control) and vestibulocerebellum (for balance control).

Blood Supply to the Pelvis and Lower Extremities

Middle cerebral artery

supplies the more lateral brain regions, including those associated with the upper extremities.

anterior cerebral artery

supplies the blood flow to the medial portion of the brain, including the pelvic region of the motor and sensory homunculi

Motor Output

exit the spinal cord at the level of the pelvis (anterior spinal cord) and control muscles involved in pelvic and lower limb movements

reticulospinal tract also plays a role in postural control and helps with gross limb movements.

anterior corticospinal tract

Sensory Input to the Pelvis

Pathways

pain and temperature travels via the spinothalamic tract.

light touch and proprioception follows the dorsal column-medial lemniscal pathway.

relayed through the dorsal portion of the spinal cord

L1 to L3

gait and posture
Muscle Activation During Gait:

Foot and Tibial Movements in Relation to Pelvic Control

pronation of the foot during the early stance phase of walking leads to internal rotation of the tibia

Pelvic Rotation and Muscular Control:

internal rotation of the tibia causes internal rotation of the femur

Internal rotation of the pelvis occurs as the stance leg's hip internally rotates, especially during the early stance phase when the foot is pronating.

pelvic rotators (obliques, internal and external rotators) help coordinate pelvic rotation in the horizontal plane

Hip Muscles and Pelvic Movements:

Hip abductors, such as the gluteus medius, are crucial for frontal plane stability, helping prevent excessive pelvic drop on the opposite side

stance phase, the hip flexors (like the iliopsoas) are active to prevent excessive posterior pelvic tilt, while the hip extensors (like the gluteus maximus) control anterior pelvic tilt and stabilize the pelvis.

Hip flexors and extensors play a key role in controlling pelvic tilt and rotation

Pelvic Movements in Gait

Pelvic Movements in the Frontal Plane (Adduction and Abduction):

At weight acceptance (initial stance phase), the left iliac crest drops below the right, reflecting pelvic adduction of the right hip.

pelvic on femoral adduction and abduction during weight-bearing and swing phases.

Pelvic Tilting in the Sagittal Plane

Posterior pelvic tilt (backward tilt)

anterior pelvic tilt (forward tilt of the iliac crests)

Pelvic Rotation in the Horizontal Plane

external rotation (clockwise)

Internal rotation (counterclockwise)

reproductive organs
Female Reproductive Organs

round ligament and ovarian ligaments

secure the uterus and ovaries.

broad ligament

connects the sides of the uterus to the pelvic walls and supports the uterus, ovaries, and uterine tubes.

Vagina

serves as the passage for menstruation, childbirth

Uterus

terine artery supplies the uterus, while the uterine veins drain into the internal iliac veins

muscular organ where the fertilized egg implants and develops during pregnancy

Uterine Tubes (Fallopian Tubes)

carry oocytes from the ovaries to the uterus and are typically the site of fertilization

Ovaries

Male Reproductive Organs

Prostate Gland

role in sperm motility and protects sperm

Ejaculatory Ducts

deliver sperm and seminal fluid into the urethra.

Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens)

passes through the inguinal canal

connects the epididymis to the urethra

Testes and Epididymis

testes are responsible for producing sperm and hormones, primarily testosterone. The epididymis stores and matures sperm cells.

Pelvic Force Couples:

Hip hiking

etc: right gluteus medius and left quadratus lumborum

Contralateral elevation of the pelvis

Posterior pelvic tilt

hip extensors and lumbar flexors.

Anterior pelvic tilt

hip flexors and lumbar extensors.

Lumbopelvic Rhythm:

Ipsidirectional rhythm

pelvis and lumbar spine rotate in the same direction

Contra-directional rhythm

pelvis and lumbar spine rotate in opposite directions

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Movements:

Counternutation

Posterior rotation of the sacrum on the iliac bone, or anterior rotation of the iliac bone on the sacrum, or both.

Nutation

Anterior rotation of the sacrum on the iliac bone, or posterior rotation of the iliac bone on the sacrum, or both.

Pelvic Osteokinematic Movements

distal segment relative to the proximal segment

Pelvic Floor
Anatomy

Fascia

Forms a supportive layer around pelvic structures

Covers superior and inferior aspects of the pelvic diaphragm muscles

Levator Ani Muscles

Iliococcygeus

Elevates pelvic floor

Pubococcygeus

Supports pelvic viscera

Puborectalis

U-shaped loop around the anorectum

helps maintain fecal continence and plays a role in bowel movements

Coccygeus (Ischiococcygeus)

Forms part of the pelvic floor

Structure

Lesser Pelvis

Separated by the musculofascial pelvic diaphragm

Surrounded by the inferior pelvic girdle, supporting the pelvic cavity and perineum

Greater Pelvis

Contains inferior abdominal viscera, providing protection

Surrounded by the superior pelvic girdle

Functions

Pump for Circulation

Aids in lymphatic fluid circulation from the legs back to the heart

Stability

Fixes the trunk for extremity movement

Sexual Function

Allows relaxation for penetration and contraction for orgasm

Sphincter Control

Controls the urethra, vagina, and anus

Support for Internal Organs

Supports the pelvic and abdominal viscera

neurovascular
nerves

lumbosacral trunk

veins

Internal iliac veins

drains the blood from the pelvic organs and pelvic wall

Ovarian veins (in females)

drain deoxygenated blood from the ovaries and return it to the heart

Parietal median sacral vein

provides small branches that supply the pelvis

internal iliac veins

drain via the superior rectal vein

arteries

Superior gluteal

passes between lumbosacral trunk

Inferior gluteal

exits pelvis vis greater sciatic foramen

Middle Rectal

descends in pelvis to inferior part of rectum

Uterine

crosses ureter superiorly to reach cervix

Prostatic branches

Descends to prostate

Artery to ductus deferens

runs to ductus deferens

Inferior vesical

gives rise to prostatic artery

Obturator

runs antero-inferiorly on obturator fascia

Superior vesical

pass to superior aspect of bladder

Umbilical

superior aspect of urinary bladder

Anterior division of internal iliac

Passes anteriorly along lateral wall of pelvis

Internal iliac

Passes medially over pelvic brim and descends into pelvic cavity; often forms anterior and posterior divisions

Median sacral

Descends close to midline over L4 and L5 vertebrae, sacrum, and coccyx

Superior rectal

Crosses left common iliac vessels and descends into pelvis

Gonadal

Ovarian

Crosses pelvic brim

Testicular

Traverses inguinal canal and enters scrotum

osteology, joints, ligaments
pelvic girdle

functions

Supports pelvic viscera: Assists with abdominal functions and stability

Protects pelvic organs: Includes bladder, reproductive organs, intestines

Muscle attachment: Provides attachment for muscles of locomotion and posture

Weight transfer: Transfers weight to lower limbs via sacroiliac joints

Weight-bearing: Supports body weight during standing and sitting

Basin-shaped ring of bones

connects vertebral column to femurs

Composed of sacrum and innominate bones (ilium, ischium, pubis)

Sacrum articulates with ilium at SI joints

ligaments

Sacrospinous ligament

Connects the sacrum to the ischial spine, also contributing to pelvic stability

Sacrotuberous ligament

Attaches the sacrum to the ischial tuberosity, helping to stabilize the pelvis and limit movement

Iliolumbar ligament

stability to the lumbosacral junction

joints

Sacrococcygeal joint

where the sacrum and coccyx meet

Pubic symphysis

connects the left and right pelvic bones

Sacroiliac joint

connection between the spine and pelvis

pubis

Forms front part of the pelvic girdle

Supports lower body

Protects internal organs

Pecten Pubis (Pectineal Line)

Oblique ridge on the superior pubic ramus

Pubic Tubercle

Prominent swelling at lateral end

Pubic Crest

Thickening at the anterior part of the pubis

Inferior Ramus

Contributes to obturator foramen

Superior Ramus

Forms part of acetabulum

forms the lower and anterior part of each side of the hip bone

ischium

Provides support for sitting posture

Facilitates muscle attachment

Protects pelvic viscera

Lesser Sciatic Notch

Between ischial spine and tuberosity

Greater Sciatic Notch

Superior to ischial spine

Ischial Spine

Small pointed projection

Ischial Tuberosity

Large protuberance, supports weight while sitting

Ramus

Forms part of obturator foramen

Body

Contributes to acetabulum

forms the lower and back region of the hip bone

illium

Supports upper body weight

Provides attachment for muscles

Connects to sacrum for weight transfer

AIIS

Anterior Inferior Iliac Spine

ASIS

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine

Muscle and ligament attachments

Auricular Surface

Articulates with the sacrum (SI joint)

Iliac Fossa

Attachment for iliacus muscle

Iliac Crest

Superior border

ends at PSIS

Largest of 3 hip bones

hip and thigh

thigh
Sensory Control

Fasciculus Gracilis: This tract is responsible for carrying fine touch and proprioception signals from the thigh, helping the brain recognize the thigh's position in space and its movement relative to other body parts.

Anterolateral Tract: This pathway carries pain and temperature information from the thigh, allowing the brain to interpret sensations like discomfort or heat.

This cortex is involved in more complex processing of the sensory information, specifically for storing and processing spatial and tactile memories related to the thigh.

inferior MCA branch also supplies blood to this part of the brain

After the sensory data from the thigh is processed in the primary sensory cortex, it is sent to the secondary somatosensory cortex.

The sensory information from the thigh, including touch, proprioception (awareness of position), and pain, is processed in this area of the brain.

located on the medial surface of the brain.

Compartments

Posterior compartment

Popliteal Fossa

behind the knee where the tendons of the hamstring muscles converge.

Sciatic Nerve (L4-S3)

Semimembranosus: A broad, flattened muscle located deep to the semitendinosus.

Semitendinosus: A tendinous muscle located medially to the biceps femoris.

Biceps Femoris: Consists of two heads (long head from the ischial tuberosity, short head from the femur). It is located laterally and flexes the knee.

Medial compartment

Innervation and Blood Supply:

Obturator Artery: Supplies blood to the medial compartment.

Obturator Nerve: Innervates the medial thigh muscles.

Obturator Externus: Laterally rotates the thigh.

Adductor Magnus: The largest muscle in the medial compartment, with dual innervation (adductor part by obturator nerve, hamstring part by sciatic nerve).

Adductor Brevis: A short muscle beneath the adductor longus.

Adductor Longus: A flat muscle that forms the medial border of the femoral triangle.

Gracilis: Adducts the hip and flexes the knee.

Anterior compartment

Femoral Triangle

Contains the femoral nerve, artery, and vein.

Bound by the inguinal ligament, sartorius, and adductor longus

Innervation and Blood Supply

Femoral Artery

Femoral Nerve (L2-L4)

Supplies blood to the anterior thigh.

Provides motor innervation to the muscles of the anterior compartment

Key Muscles

Quadriceps Femoris

Vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedius

Primarily responsible for extending the knee.

Rectus femoris

Flexes the hip and extends the knee

The longest muscle in the body, running across the thigh

flexes, abducts, and externally rotates the hip, and also flexes the knee.

Iliopsoas

Composed of the iliacus and psoas major

powerful hip flexor.

Thigh Region

Gluteal fold

posterior

Hip joint

lateral

Inferior pubic ramus

medial

Inguinal ligament

anterior

Hip
Sensory Control of the Hip

Sensory Pathways

Fasciculus Gracilis: This tract carries fine touch and proprioception signals from the hip, giving the brain information about its position in space.

Anterolateral Tract: This pathway carries pain and temperature sensations from the hip.

Secondary Somatosensory Cortex

This part of the brain helps with spatial memory and tactile memory related to the hip,

information is further processed and stored in the secondary somatosensory cortex.

Primary Sensory Cortex

The anterior cerebral artery supplies the sensory cortex, ensuring the hip’s sensory input is effectively processed.

The sensory information from the hip is processed here, specifically related to touch sensations like shape, size, and texture.

primary sensory cortex, which is located on the medial surface of the brain.

Biomechanics

Gait

Hip Joint Kinematics in the Gait Cycle

Kinetics of the Hip Joint During Gait

Hip Adductors

Activation around 65-70% of the cycle to assist the hip flexors during the swing phase.

Activation at 10% of the gait cycle to assist the hip extensors.

Hip Abductors

Peak activation occurs around 10% of the gait cycle

work eccentrically to control the amount of pelvic drop (or contralateral pelvic depression) during the stance phase, especially between 0% and 10% of the cycle when the opposite leg leaves the ground.

Concentric activation around 70% of the gait cycle, assisting in lifting the femur upward and forward to prepare for the next step.

Eccentric activation around 45% of the gait cycle to limit excessive hip extension.

Hip Extensors (Gluteus Maximus):

activated concentrically in the early stance phase (about 10% of the gait cycle) to extend the hip.

Reverse Actions

External rotation of the hip is observed as contralateral backward pelvic rotation.

Internal rotation of the hip is observed as contralateral forward pelvic rotation.

Hip abduction is seen as contralateral pelvic elevation (the opposite side of the pelvis lifts).

Hip adduction is seen as contralateral pelvic depression (the opposite side of the pelvis drops).

Transverse Plane

It then undergoes another round of internal rotation from **60% to the end of the cycle.

The hip undergoes internal rotation from 0% to 30% of the gait cycle, followed by external rotation from 30% to 60%.

Frontal Plane

Then, the hip adducts again from 65% to 100% of the cycle.

From 20% to 65%, the hip abducts (moves away from the midline).

The hip adducts from 0% to 20% of the cycle (the leg moves toward the midline).

Sagittal Plane

In the swing phase, the hip flexes again from 50% to 80% of the cycle and remains in flexion until the cycle begins again.

During the stance phase, the hip gradually extends from about 10% to 50% of the cycle, reaching a maximum of about 10 degrees of extension.

At the start of the gait cycle, the hip is in approximately 30 degrees of flexion.

Muscle Force

When the angle is closer to 0 degrees, the muscle generates small torques but large translational forces, potentially leading to joint instability or pain.

When a muscle's angle of application is closer to 90 degrees relative to the lever (the femur), it generates large torques and small translations (movements along the joint).

Reverse Actions at the Hip

If the hip flexors are activated, they will flex the hip joint. If the pelvis is fixed and the femur moves, the result is pelvic tilt.

If the hip abductors are activated and the femur is free to move, the result is hip abduction. If the pelvis is free to move instead, the result is contralateral pelvic elevation

Flexion: Accompanied by a spin of the femoral head within the acetabulum.

External rotation: Accompanied by an anterior glide.

Abduction: Accompanied by an inferior glide of the femoral head.

Movement at the Hip Joint

Internal/External Rotation: The hip rotates inward (internal rotation) or outward (external rotation).

Abduction/Adduction: The hip moves away from (abduction) or toward (adduction) the body's midline.

Hip adduction: Occurs when the pelvis drops on the opposite side (contralateral pelvic drop)

Hip abduction: Occurs when the pelvis is lifted on one side (contralateral pelvic elevation).

Flexion/Extension: The hip can flex (bend forward) or extend (move backward).

Muscles

Hip Flexors

Psoas Minor

small muscle, often absent, assists the psoas major.

iliacus and psoas major muscles form the iliopsoas, the main flexor of the thigh at the hip joint.

Gluteal Region

Deep Muscles

Innervation of Deep Muscles

Inferior Gemellus & Quadratus Femoris: Innervated by the nerve to quadratus femoris.

Superior Gemellus & Obturator Internus: Innervated by the nerve to obturator internus.

Piriformis: Innervated by the nerve to piriformis.

Quadratus Femoris

most inferior deep gluteal muscle, contributing to lateral rotation

Obturator Internus

Works with the gemelli to rotate the thigh laterally

Gemelli (Superior & Inferior)

lateral rotation of the thigh.

Piriformis

laterally rotates the thigh.

dividing the gluteal region into superior and inferior parts

Superficial Muscles

Innervation of Superficial Muscles

Actions: All the superficial muscles (except gluteus maximus) are involved in thigh abduction and internal rotation, while the gluteus maximus is primarily involved in hip extension.

Inferior Gluteal Nerve: Innervates the gluteus maximus.

Superior Gluteal Nerve: Innervates gluteus medius, minimus, and TFL.

Tensor Fascia Lata

tightens the fascia lata and assists in abduction and medial rotation of the thigh

anterior aspect of the iliac crest

Gluteus Medius & Minimus

stabilizing the pelvis during walking/running

between the gluteus maximus

Gluteus Maximus

powerful hip extensor

largest and most superficial muscle

spans from the iliac crest (superiorly) to the gluteal fold (inferiorly), and medially to the midline of the body

Sensory Innervation

Superior Gluteal Nerve and Inferior Gluteal Nerve

Occasionally contribute to innervation

Sciatic Nerve

Through the nerve to the quadratus femoris, innervates parts of the posterior capsule.

Obturator Nerve

Provides innervation to the anterior and posterior capsules

Femoral Nerve

Innervates the anterior aspect of the hip joint

Osteology

Hip Joint

round ligament of the femur

inserts into the fovea capitis of the femur. It also carries blood vessels to the femoral head.

rises from the transverse acetabular ligament

acetabular notch

pening inferiorly, bridged by the transverse acetabular ligament.

femur is the only bone in the thigh

Posteriorly

Medial and lateral supracondylar lines (continuations of the lips)

Lateral lip (continuous with the gluteal tuberosity).

Medial lip (continuous with the spiral line).

Anteriorly

Smooth surface

Shaft (Body)

Extends from the intertrochanteric line to the femoral epicondyles

Proximal Region

Intertrochanteric line and crest

Greater and lesser trochanters

Head and neck

Proximal Femur

Gluteal Tuberosity: Attachment site for the gluteus maximus muscle

Pectineal Line: Ridge leading to the base of the lesser trochanter.

Spiral Line: Extends toward the lesser trochanter, continuous with the intertrochanteric line.

Trochanteric Fossa: Depression between the neck and the greater trochanter.

Intertrochanteric Crest: A bony ridge between the greater and lesser trochanters on the posterior side.

Lesser Trochanter: Smaller projection on the posteromedial side at the neck-shaft junction.

Greater Trochanter: Large projection on the lateral and posterolateral side, superior to the neck.

Neck: Narrower than the head, connects the head to the trochanters.

Head: Rounded, with a circular indentation called the fovea capitis.

Pubic Bone and Pelvic Girdle

pubic symphysis is the fibrocartilage plate that articulates the right and left pubic bones anteriorly

Pubic crest, pubic tubercle, and pectineal pubis are located on the superior surface of the superior pubic ramus

pubic bones and inferior/superior pubic rami form the anterior half of the obturator foramen

ramus connects the pubic body to the ilium

Vascular Supply

internal iliac artery

obturator, superior gluteal, and inferior gluteal arteries

contribute to the blood supply

medial circumflex femoral artery

Damage to this artery can lead to avascular necrosis of the femoral head

provides the majority of the blood supply to the femoral head

Ligaments

Ischiofemoral Ligament

It is the weakest of the three ligaments and limits internal rotation during hip rotation

Arises from the ischial part of the acetabular rim and attaches to the posterior base of the greater trochanter.

Located at the posterior part of the joint capsule.

Pubofemoral Ligament

It limits extension, abduction, and possibly external rotation

Attaches to the body and superior ramus of the pubic bone, blending with the inferior band of the iliofemoral ligament.

Located in the lower anterior part of the joint capsule.

Iliofemoral Ligament (Y-Ligament)

It limits hyperextension and external rotation during extension

Attaches from the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) and the adjacent ilium to the greater trochanter and intertrochanteric line.

Knee and lower leg

CNS connection
Basal Ganglia's Role in Knee Movement

Stop pathway (indirect pathway): Inhibits movement, helping you stop unwanted movements, such as preventing unnecessary knee flexion at rest.

Go pathway (direct pathway): Facilitates movement by reducing inhibition. This allows you to initiate knee movement when desired.

basal ganglia helps in the initiation, termination, and inhibition of movement, influencing voluntary movement like knee flexion and extension.

Cerebellar Influence on the Knee

The cerebellum communicates ipsilaterally with the spine, meaning information from the lower extremity (knee) remains on the same side of the body.

Spinocerebellum: This part of the cerebellum receives input about unconscious proprioception (joint and muscle position sense) via the posterior spinocerebellar tract. It helps smooth and coordinate movements like walking and ensures accurate landing of the knee during gait.

The cerebellum plays a crucial role in movement coordination, refining movement quality, and maintaining balance.

Motor Control of the Knee

Myotomes for Knee Muscles:

Knee flexors (e.g., hamstrings) are controlled by spinal nerve levels L5-S1.

Knee extensors (e.g., quadriceps) are controlled by spinal nerve levels L2-L4.

Motor Plan Creation

the lateral corticospinal tract transmits the signal to the spinal cord, where it crosses over to the opposite side at the pyramids of the brainstem.

The brain's premotor areas initiate a motor plan, which communicates with the knee portion of the homunculus in the primary motor cortex.

Sensory Input to the Knee

Proprioception & Dermatomes

Pain and temperature sensations travel through the spinothalamic tract.

Proprioception (joint position sense) typically travels via the dorsal columns.

Dermatomes

Posterior knee: S1 & S2

Lateral knee: L5

Anterior knee: L4

Medial knee: L3

Sensory information from the knee comes from joint proprioceptors (which provide information on knee position) and the skin around the knee.

gait
Kinematics

Muscle Activation During Gait

Eccentric Hamstrings Activation

Hamstrings activate eccentrically during the second half of the swing phase to decelerate the lower leg, preparing for controlled foot placement during the next gait cycle.

Hip Flexor Momentum in Swing

The primary driver for knee flexion in the swing phase is the momentum generated by the hip flexors. This momentum is transferred to the lower leg to clear the foot off the ground.

Eccentric Quadriceps Activation

Later in the stance phase, when the knee extends, the quadriceps activation is minimal as it is a passive motion driven by body momentum

During loading response (heel strike to foot flat), the quadriceps control knee flexion under the force of gravity, preventing excessive knee collapse.

Swing Phase (Approx. 40% of the Gait Cycle):

Terminal Swing (75-100% of the gait cycle):

The knee flexors (hamstrings) are activated eccentrically in the latter half of the swing phase to decelerate the shank and control the knee's motion as it prepares to land

Initial Swing (60-75% of the gait cycle):

This flexion is mainly driven by the hip flexors, which generate momentum that is transferred from the thigh to the lower leg (shank).

Maximum knee flexion of around 60 degrees occurs during this phase.

The knee continues to flex to allow the foot to clear the ground.

Stance Phase (Approx. 60% of the Gait Cycle)

Mid Stance (15-40% of the gait cycle)

During this phase, the quadriceps show minimal activation because the extension is more passive, driven by body motion rather than active muscle contraction.

As the body moves forward, the knee extends. This extension is largely driven by the forward momentum of the trunk and pelvis, as the foot remains fixed to the ground.

Pre-Swing (40-60% of the gait cycle):

The knee flexes again slightly, preparing for the toe-off (when the foot leaves the ground).

Loading Response (0-15% of the gait cycle):

Quadriceps Activation: The quadriceps work eccentrically to control this flexion and resist the external flexion moment generated by gravity (which acts posterior to the knee joint).

The knee flexes further to absorb the initial impact and body weight as the foot makes contact with the ground.

Initial Position

The knee starts in about 5 degrees of flexion.

biomechanics
Arthrokinematics:

Patellofemoral Joint

During flexion, the patella glides inferiorly (downward).

During extension, the patella glides superiorly (upward).

patella acts as a pulley for the quadriceps muscle, increasing the moment arm and improving the force output during knee extension.

Screw-Home Mechanism

Contributors

Slight external rotation of the tibia.

Slight lateral pull of the quadriceps.

Tension in the ACL.

Shape of the medial femoral condyle (longer and more curved than the lateral condyle).

slight lateral rotation of the tibia during knee extension, allowing the knee to "lock" in place.

Role of the Cruciate Ligaments

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL

Becomes taut during knee flexion.

Function: Limits posterior glide of the tibia relative to the femur and anterior glide of the femur relative to the tibia.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

Becomes stretched during knee extension.

Function: Limits anterior glide of the tibia relative to the femur and posterior glide of the femur relative to the tibia.

Closed-Chain Movements

During flexion, the femur glides anteriorly.

During knee extension, the femur glides posteriorly.

When the femur moves relative to the tibia (e.g., during squat), the roll and glide occur in opposite directions.

Open-Chain Movements

During flexion, the tibia glides posteriorly.

During knee extension, the tibia glides anteriorly.

When the tibia moves relative to the femur (e.g., during leg extension), the roll and glide occur in the same direction.

Knee Osteokinematics (Range of Motion)

Abduction/Adduction: These motions do not occur actively at the knee but can be available passively by about 6 degrees.

Rotation: Internal and external rotation is only possible when the knee is flexed. External rotation typically has about 30 degrees, while internal rotation is about 15 degrees.

Extension: The knee can extend beyond 0 degrees, usually up to about 5-10 degrees.

Flexion: The knee can flex up to about 140 degrees in most people.

Menisci Functions

Reduce friction during joint movement.

Act as shock absorbers, although eccentric muscle contractions are more critical in absorbing shock.

Increase the concavity of the tibial condyles to better distribute weight.

Reduce compressive stress on the articular cartilage.

Ligamentous Laxity and Knee Flexion

Rotation (internal and external) in the knee is only possible when the knee is flexed because the ligaments tighten with extension.

As the knee extends, the ligaments become taut (tightened) due to their anatomical positioning posterior to the knee joint axis.

muscles
Pes Anserine Muscles

These muscles are important for stabilizing the knee, especially on the medial side.

Gracilis

Sartorius

Knee Flexors:

Muscles:

Hamstring Group (Primary Knee Flexors):

flex the knee and extend the hip

Biceps Femoris

Semitendinosus

Semimembranosus

innervention

sciatic nerve innervates the muscles responsible for knee flexion.

Knee Extensors

Muscle

Sartorius Muscle:

assists in internal rotation of the knee and flexion of the hip joint. It also contributes to stabilizing the medial aspect of the knee.

Quadriceps Femoris (Primary Knee Extensors):

These muscles work together to extend the knee joint during movements like standing, walking, and running.

Vastus Intermedius: Situated between the vastus lateralis and vastus medialis.

Vastus Medialis: Located on the inner side of the thigh.

Vastus Lateralis: Located on the outer side of the thigh.

Rectus Femoris: A central muscle that also assists with hip flexion.

Innervation

femoral nerve innervates the muscles responsible for knee extension.

joints and ligaments
Menisci:

The popliteus muscle has attachments to the lateral meniscus.

The semimembranosus muscle attaches to the medial meniscus.

C-shaped fibrocartilage structures

thicker on the outside and thinner on the inside

Provide proprioception

Improve congruency

Reduce localized pressure

Ligaments of the Knee:

Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL):

Limits posterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur (prevents the tibia from sliding backward).

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL):

Limits anterior translation of the tibia relative to the femur (prevents the tibia from sliding forward).

Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL):

Limits varus stress (prevents the knee from being pushed outward).

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL)

Limits valgus stress (prevents the knee from being pushed inward).

Knee Joint Articulations

Patellofemoral Join

The articulation between the patella (kneecap) and the femur (specifically the patellar groove of the femur).

Femorotibial Join

The articulation between the distal femur (femoral condyles) and the proximal tibia (tibial plateau).

osteology
Q Angle (Quadriceps Angle)

typically ranges between 10 to 15 degrees, but anything greater than 20 degrees is considered abnormal.

formed between two lines:

from the center of the patella to the center of the tibial tuberosity (where the patellar ligament attaches).

from the ASIS (anterior superior iliac spine) to the center of the patella.

Knee Alignment

Varus

bow leg, this is when the tibia turns inward relative to the femur, causing the knees to point outward

Valgus

knock knee, this is when the tibia turns outward relative to the femur, causing the knees to point inward.

Tibia and Fibula

Fibula:

not involved in the knee joint. It serves mainly for muscle attachment and stability of the leg but does not contribute to the knee's articulation.

Tibia (Shank of the Leg):

medial tibial plateau is C-shaped, and the lateral tibial plateau is O-shaped,

proximal tibia has a tibial plateau, which consists of the medial and lateral condyles, where the femur articulates.

Distal Femur

Patella

patella sliding superiorly during knee extension and inferiorly during knee flexion.

posterior surface of the patella is shaped to fit into the patellar groove (or trochlear groove) of the femur

patella is a sesamoid bone

Condyles and Epicondyles

condyles

articulate with the tibial plateau

epicondyles

bony prominences located just above the condyles, serving as attachment points for muscles and ligaments.