A R TICULA TIONS. LIGAMENTS. 



443 



extends from the tubercle on the outer femoral condyle to the head of the fibula. 

 Beneath this ligament is the popliteus tendon in its synovial sheath. The 

 posterior portion is inserted into the styloid. It binds the popliteus to the 

 outer tuberosity. 



Describe tlie anterior or capsular ligament proper. 



It is thin, and attached to the synovial membrane. It is attached to the 

 femur, patella, popliteus muscle, and internal lateral ligament. 



Locate and give function of the semilunar fibro-cartilages, and mention other 

 members of the same physiological class of ligaments. 



They are two circumferential cartilages resting on the articular facets of the 

 tibia. In mechanics they correspond to a ball-bearing. They deepen the cavity 

 which they surround. The cotyloid of the hip, the glenoids of the shoulder 



Posterior crucial 



lagamentum mucosuin 



Alar ligament 



Alar ligament 



Synovial pouch under tendon 

 of quadriceps extensor 



FIG. 313. ANTERIOR VIEW OF THE KNEE-JOINT, SHOWING THE SYNOVIAL LIGAMENTS. 

 (Anterior portion of capsule with the extensor tendon thrown downward.) 



and of the interphalangeal and metacarpo-phalangeal articulations belong to the 

 same class. 



Name the attachments of the semilunars. (Fig. 312.) 



They are attached loosely to the borders of the tuberosities by the coronary 

 ligament ; to each other, in front, by the transverse ligament ; their extremities are 

 attached to the depressions in front and behind the spine of the tibia. (Fig. 312.) 

 What can yon say of the synovia! membrane of the knee-joint f 

 It is the largest in the body. One part forms a sac beneath the patella ; 

 another extends some distance above the attachment of the capsule above the 

 joint ; it covers all the surface of the crucial ligaments except at two parts. 

 Give the origin and insertion of the crucial ligaments. (Fig. 312.) 

 The anterior crucial is attached to the tibia in front of the spine, and to the 



