332 



THE ARTICULATIONS, OR JOINTS 



above, from the synovial membrane by a fold of fat; below, it is separated from 

 the head of the tibia by a synovial bursa. 



The posterior ligament (ligamentum popliteum obliquum) (Fig. 266) 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 notch of the femur, and, below, to the posterior margin of 

 the head of the tibia. Superficial to the main part of the ligament and forming 

 a portion of it is a strong fasciculus derived from the tendon of the Semimembra- 

 nosus; it passes from the back part of the inner tuberosity of the tibia obliquely 

 upward and outward to the back part of the outer condyle of the femur and blends 

 with the posterior ligament. This expansion from the tendon of the Semimem- 



FIG. 266. Right knee-joint. Anterior view. 



FIG. 267. Right knee-joint. Posterior view. 



branosus muscle is called the posterior ligament of Winslow (ligamentum posticum 

 Winslowii). The posterior ligament forms part of the floor of the popliteal space, 

 and the popliteal artery rests upon it. 



The internal lateral ligament (ligamentum collateral tibiale) (Figs. 266 and 

 267) is a broad, flat, membranous band, thicker behind than in front, and situated 

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

 tuberosity of the femur; below, to the inner tuberosity and inner surface of the 

 shaft of the tibia to the extent of about two inches. It is crossed, at its lower 

 part, by the tendons of the Sartorius, Gracilis, and Semitendinosus muscles, a 

 synovial bursa being interposed. Its deep surface covers the anterior portion of 

 the tendon of the Semimembranosus, with which it is connected by a few fibres, 

 and the inferior internal articular vessels and nerve; it is intimately adherent 

 to the internal semilunar fibrocartilage. 



