- THE STIFLE JOINT 235 
biceps femoris, but it also furnishes insertion to the tensor fasci late by means of the fascia 
lata, which blends with it. 
The femoro-tibial articulation (Articulatio femoro-tibialis) is formed between 
the condyles of the femur, the proximal end of the tibia, and the interposed articular 
menisci or semilunar cartilages. 
Articular Surfaces.—The condyles of the femur are slightly oblique in direc- 
tion. The articular surface of the lateral one is more strongly curved than that of 
the medial one; the latter is confluent below with the medial ridge of the trochlea, 
Base of patella 
Accessory cartilage 
Medial ridge of trochlea 
Medial condyle of 
jemur Medi. J 
j S- Medial patellar liga- 
Medial femoro-tibial a5 Dee re 
ligament 
Medial meniscus 
Medial condyle of « 
tibia 
BE Middle patellar liga- 
ment 
Fi 
i 
Tuberosity of tibia 
Fie. 247.—Lerr Stirte Jorst or Horse; Meprat View. THe Capsutes are REMOVED. 
while the narrow ridge which connects the lateral condyle with the trochlea is 
usually non-articular. The saddle-shaped surfaces of the condyles of the tibia are 
= adapted to the femoral condyles, and are in contact with only a small part of 
em. 
The menisci, lateral and medial (Meniscus lateralis, medialis),! are two C- 
shaped or crescentic plates of fibro-cartilage which produce congruence in the ar- 
ticular surfaces. Each has a proximal concave surface adapted to the condyle of 
the femur, and a distal surface which fits the corresponding condyle of the tibia. 
1 These are also commonly termed the semilunar cartilages, although they are not so shaped. 
