THE KNEE-JOINT. 



275 



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, the synovial membrane of the joint, and the inferior 

 internal articular vessels and nerve ; it is intimately adherent to the internal semi- 

 lunar fibro-cartilage. 



FIG. 183. Right knee-joint. Anterior view. 



FIG. 184. 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 outer 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 an accessory bundle of fibres placed 

 behind and parallel with the preceding, attached, above, to the lower and back 

 part of the outer tuberosity of the femur ; below, to the summit of the styloid 

 process of the fibula. This ligament is intimately connected with the capsular 

 ligament, 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 and 

 forms part of 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 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 



