THE 



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membrane of the joint, and the inferior internal articular vessels and nerve; it is 

 intimately adherent to the internal semilunar fibro-cartilage. 



FIG. 257. Right knee-joint. Anterior view. 



FIG. 258. Right knee-joint. Posterior view. 



The Long External Lateral Ligament is a strong, rounded, fibrous cord situated 

 nearer to the back than the front of the joint. It is attached, above, to the back 

 part of the outer tuberosity of the femur ; below, to the outer part of the head of 

 the fibula. Its nnt>-r surface is covered by the tendon of the Biceps, which divides 

 at its insertion into two parts, separated by the ligament. The ligament has, 

 passing beneath it. the tendon of the Popliteus muscle and the inferior external 

 articular vessels and nerve. 



The Short External Lateral Ligament is a bundle of fibres placed behind the 

 preceding, attached, above, together with the outer head of the Gastrocnemius. 

 to the outer condyle of the femur ; below, to the summit of the styloid process 

 of the fibula. This ligament is intimately connected with the capsular liga- 

 ment, and has. passing beneath it, the tendon of the Popliteus muscle and the 

 inferior external articular vessels and nerve. 



The Capsular Ligament consists of an exceedingly thin but strong, fibrous 

 membrane which fills in the intervals left between the stronger bands above 

 described, and is inseparably connected with them. In front it blends with the 

 lateral patellar ligaments and fills in the interval between the anterior and 

 lateral ligaments of the joint, with which latter structures it is closely connected. 

 Behind, it is strong, and formed chiefly of vertical fibres, which arise above from 

 the condyles and intercondyloid notch of the femur, and is connected below with 

 the back part of the head of the tibia, being closely united with the origins of 

 the Gastrocnemius. Plantaris. and Popliteus muscles. It passes in front of, but is 

 inseparably connected with, the posterior ligament. 



The Crucial are two interosseous ligaments of considerable strength situated 



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