01 / Location & anatomical relationships
Between your thigh and lower leg.
02 / Structure & organization
The knee includes tibiofemoral and patellofemoral articulations. Menisci improve contact between femur and tibia; cruciate and collateral ligaments limit excessive displacement. A small amount of rotation accompanies flexion and extension.
03 / Function
It bends and straightens and helps support your weight.
04 / Mechanism
The femur moves against the tibia, with cartilage and two cushioning menisci between them. Ligaments guide the movement. The kneecap slides at the front as the thigh muscles pull to straighten the knee.
Part of a bigger picture
The knee belongs in our legs & feet collection. Explore the nearby parts to see how this area of the body fits together.
Explore legs & feet →FOR DEEPER STUDY
Connect structure with function
The knee is not a simple door hinge. Rolling, sliding and rotation work together, while the patella improves the leverage of the quadriceps tendon.
Check your understanding
Locate the knee in relation to its neighbors. Explain how the structural features described above support its function, then distinguish it from a nearby structure with a different role.
Keep learning
Continue with OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology for system-level study. This atlas is educational and has not undergone independent medical peer review.