340 



SYNDESMOLOGY 



The Articular Capsule (capsula articularis; capsular ligamenf) (Fig. 345). The 

 articular capsule consists of a thin, but strong, fibrous membrane which is strength- 

 ened in almost its entire extent by bands inseparably connected with it. Above 

 and in front, beneath the tendon of the Quadriceps femoris, it is represented only 

 by the synovial membrane. Its chief strengthening bands are derived from the 

 fascia lata and from the tendons surrounding the joint. In front, expansions 

 from the Vasti and from the fascia lata and its iliotibial band fill in the intervals 

 between the anterior and collateral ligaments, constituting the medial and lateral 

 patellar retinacula. Behind the capsule consists of vertical fibers which arise 

 from the condyles and from the sides of the intercondyloid fossa of the femur; 



the posterior part of the capsule is therefore 

 situated on the sides of and in front of the 

 cruciate ligaments, which are thus excluded from 

 the joint cavity. Behind the cruciate ligaments 

 is the oblique popliteal ligament which is aug- 

 mented by fibers derived from the tendon of the 

 Semimembranosus. Laterally, a prolongation 

 from the iliotibial band fills in the interval be- 

 tween the oblique popliteal and the fibular collat- 

 eral ligaments, and partly covers the latter. 

 Medially, expansions from the Sartorius and 

 Semimembranosus pass upward, to the tibial 

 collateral ligament and strengthen the capsule. 

 The Ligaraentum Patellae (anterior ligament} 

 (Fig. 345) . The ligamentum patellae is the cen- 

 tral portion of the common tendon of the Quad- 

 riceps femoris, which is continued from the 

 patella to the tuberosity of the tibia. It is a 

 strong, flat, ligamentous band, about 8 cm. in 

 length, attached, above, to the apex and adjoin- 

 ing margins of the patella and the rough depres- 

 sion on its posterior surface; belmv, to the 

 tuberosity of the tibia; its superficial fibers are 

 continuous over the front of the patella with 

 those of the tendon of the Quadriceps femoris. 

 The medial and lateral portions of the tendon 

 of the Quadriceps pass down on either side of 

 the patella, to be inserted into the upper extremity 

 of the tibia on either side of the tuberosity; these 

 portions merge into the capsule, as stated above, 



forming the medial and lateral patellar retinacula. The posterior surface of the 

 ligamentum patellae is separated from the synovial membrane of the joint by a 

 large infrapatellar pad of fat, and from the tibia by a bursa. 



The Oblique Popliteal Ligament (ligamentum popliteum obliquum; posterior liga- 

 ment) (Fig. 346). This ligament is a broad, flat, fibrous band, formed of fasciculi 

 separated from one another by apertures for the passage of vessels and nerves. 

 It is attached above to the upper margin of the intercondyloid fossa and posterior 

 surface of the femur close to the articular margins of the condyles, and below to 

 the posterior margin of the head of the tibia. Superficial to the main part of the 

 ligament is a strong fasciculus, derived from the tendon of the Semimembranosus 

 and passing from the back part of the medial condyle of the tibia obliquely upward 

 and lateralward to the back part of the lateral condyle of the femur. The oblique 

 popliteal ligament forms part of the floor of the popliteal fossa, and the popliteal 

 artery rests upon it. 



FIG. 345. Right knee-joint, 

 view. 



Anterior 



