Knee joint anatomy in 3D
The knee joint, where the lower end of the femur meets the top of the tibia with the patella in front, is the largest joint in the body. Two C-shaped cartilages, the menisci, sit between the femur and tibia, and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments inside the joint and the collateral ligaments at its sides hold it together. The fibula is not part of the knee joint.
Frequently asked questions
Which bones form the knee joint?
The knee joint is formed by the femur, the tibia and the patella.
What type of joint is the knee joint?
It works mainly as a hinge joint that bends and straightens, but it can rotate slightly when bent. It is often described in two parts: between the femur and tibia, and between the femur and patella.
What movements happen at the knee joint?
Its main movements are flexion and extension. With the knee bent the tibia can rotate a little inwards and outwards, and a small rotation also accompanies full straightening.
Bones of the knee joint
Other joints
- Shoulder joint
- Acromioclavicular joint
- Elbow joint
- Radioulnar joints
- Wrist joint
- Thumb carpometacarpal joint
- Hip joint
- Sacroiliac joint
- Ankle joint
- Subtalar joint
- Temporomandibular joint
- Atlanto-occipital joint
- Atlanto-axial joint
- Intervertebral joints
- Costovertebral joints
Skeleton
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.