Q:
What is the area behind the knee called?
A:
Quick Answer
The area behind the knee is called the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and it connects the femur, or thigh bone, to the tibia, or shin bone. The ligament prevents the tibia from moving backward to a point that can cause injury, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Continue Reading
Credit:
J. M. Horrillo
age fotostock
Getty Images
Full Answer
PCL injuries sometimes occur in athletes who land on a bent knee or who hyperextend the knee while jumping, according to the National Institutes of Health. PCL injuries also occur in car accidents where individuals suffer trauma to their bent knees while they are sitting in the car. Because PCL injuries usually are caused by severe trauma, the knee often suffers additional injuries.
Learn more about Human AnatomySources:
Related Questions
-
Q:
What is the anatomy of the knee?
A: The kneecap, also called the patella, is found in front of the knee joint, which is the junction between the femur, the upper leg bone, and the tibia, the ... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How is a knee arthroplasty procedure performed?
A: To perform a knee arthroplasty, orthopaedic surgeons remove cartilage surrounding the tibia and femur, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Sur... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
How do the bones that comprise the knee joint fit together?
A: The tibia, patella and femur are joined together at the knee to form a hinge joint, according to WebMD. The bones are held in place at the knee with an ela... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
Where are free photos of knee replacements available?
A: WebMD offers a 21-slide presentation of knee replacement pictures, and HealthLine offers photographs of a resurfaced tibia and femur along with photos of t... Full Answer >Filed Under:
