9.10B: Muscles that Cause Movement at the Knee Joint

Recent insights reveal that the knee joint primarily relies on three muscle groups—the popliteus, quadriceps, and hamstrings—for effective movement, balance, and stability. The coordination of these muscles is crucial for everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs.

Key Terms

• Hamstring group: This group consists of three muscles located in the posterior thigh, responsible for flexing the lower leg at the knee.
• Quadriceps femoris: This is a group of four muscles found in the anterior thigh, crucial for extending the lower leg at the knee.
• Popliteus: A muscle situated behind the knee that serves the critical function of 'unlocking' the knee joint from a fully extended position, facilitating flexion.

The knee joint facilitates movement of the lower leg in relation to the thigh. It is comprised of two distinct joints: the tibiofemoral joint, which connects the femur and tibia and serves as the primary weight-bearing knee joint, and the patellofemoral joint, which connects the patella (kneecap) with the femur.

Due to its relatively weak structure, the tibiofemoral joint is susceptible to damage and relies heavily on surrounding muscles and ligaments for stability. When the knee is completely extended, the femur undergoes slight rotation on the tibia to lock the joint in place, enhancing its load-bearing capabilities.

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The patella serves as the attachment point for the quadriceps femoris and connects to the tibia via a ligament. This setup enhances the leverage of the quadriceps, improving its efficiency in extending the lower leg, while also safeguarding the knee joint against potential injuries.

The patellofemoral joint fulfills two essential roles: it enhances the leverage of the quadriceps tendon to bolster muscle stability and acts as a protective barrier for the knee joint.

Muscles that exert movements around the knee are primarily located in the thigh and are categorized into anterior and posterior compartments. Additionally, the popliteus muscle located in the lower leg plays a vital role by 'unlocking' the knee joint following extension, paving the way for flexion.

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