344 



SYNDESMOLOGY 



Synovial Membrane. The synovial membrane of the knee-joint is the largest and most exten- 

 sive in the body. Commencing at the upper border of the patella, it forms a large cul-de-sac 

 beneath the Quadriceps femoris (Figs. 350, 351) on the lower part of the front of the femur, 

 and frequently communicates with a bursa interposed between the tendon and the front of the 

 femur. The pouch of synovial membrane between the Quadriceps and front of the femur is 

 supported, during the movements of the knee, by a small muscle, the Articularis genu, which 

 is inserted into it. On either side of the patella, the synovial membrane extends beneath the 

 aponeuroses of the Vasti, and more especially beneath that of the Vastus medialis. Below the 

 patella it is separated from the ligamentum patellae by a considerable quantity of fat, known as 



Oblique popliteal 

 ligament 



Medial meniscus 



Adipose tissue 



Bursa under Quadriceps 

 femoris 



Medial meniscus 

 Iff Ligamentum patellae 



"Ij Bursa between tibia and 

 ligamentum patella 





Fia. 350. Sagittal section of right knee-joint. 



the inf rapatellar pad. From the medial and lateral borders of the articular surface of the patella, 

 reduplications of the synovial membrane project into the interior of the joint. These form two 

 fringe-like folds termed the alar folds ; below, these folds converge and are continued as a single 

 band, the patellar fold (ligamentum mucosum), to the front of the intercondyloid fossa of the femur. 

 On either side of the joint, the synovial membrane passes downward from the femur, lining the 

 capsule to its point of attachment to the menisci; it may then be traced over the upper surfaces 

 of these to their free borders, and thence along their under surfaces to the tibia (Figs. 351, 352). 

 At the back part of the lateral meniscus it forms a cul-de-sac between the groove on its surface 

 and the tendon of the Popliteus; it is reflected across the front of the cruciate ligaments, which 

 are therefore situated outside the synovial cavity. 



