Biomaterial Database

The restraining function of the cruciate ligaments on hyperextension and hyperflexion of the human knee joint. 1991

F K Fuss

Institute of Anatomy (1st Department) of University of Vienna, Austria.

Each of the cruciate ligaments contains functionally different fiber groups; one fiber bundle is always taut; numerous others are taut in intermediate or extreme positions. The bulk of the fibers of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is taut in maximal extension, while that of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is taut in the intermediate positions and in maximal flexion. Fibers taut in extreme positions serve as restraints: during hyperextension, the ACL restrains forward migration of its tibial attachment, while the PCL interacts with other structures to prevent posterior opening of the joint. The inverse situation occurs in hyperflexion. Cruciate fibers are dissimilar in length and angular arrangement so that, when movements are restrained, they lengthen to different extents. To define this phenomenon in quantitative terms, the term isokolyons was coined for lines from which fibers showing identical elongation in percentage on exposure to a force take their origin.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D007719	Knee Joint	A synovial hinge connection formed between the bones of the FEMUR; TIBIA; and PATELLA.	Superior Tibiofibular Joint,Joint, Knee,Joint, Superior Tibiofibular,Knee Joints,Superior Tibiofibular Joints,Tibiofibular Joint, Superior
D009068	Movement	The act, process, or result of passing from one place or position to another. It differs from LOCOMOTION in that locomotion is restricted to the passing of the whole body from one place to another, while movement encompasses both locomotion but also a change of the position of the whole body or any of its parts. Movement may be used with reference to humans, vertebrate and invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. Differentiate also from MOTOR ACTIVITY, movement associated with behavior.	Movements
D006801	Humans	Members of the species Homo sapiens.	Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D001696	Biomechanical Phenomena	The properties, processes, and behavior of biological systems under the action of mechanical forces.	Biomechanics,Kinematics,Biomechanic Phenomena,Mechanobiological Phenomena,Biomechanic,Biomechanic Phenomenas,Phenomena, Biomechanic,Phenomena, Biomechanical,Phenomena, Mechanobiological,Phenomenas, Biomechanic
D016118	Anterior Cruciate Ligament	A strong ligament of the knee that originates from the posteromedial portion of the lateral condyle of the femur, passes anteriorly and inferiorly between the condyles, and attaches to the depression in front of the intercondylar eminence of the tibia.	Cruciate Ligament, Anterior,Anterior Cranial Cruciate Ligament,Cranial Cruciate Ligament,Anterior Cruciate Ligaments,Cranial Cruciate Ligaments,Cruciate Ligament, Cranial,Cruciate Ligaments, Anterior,Cruciate Ligaments, Cranial,Ligament, Anterior Cruciate,Ligament, Cranial Cruciate,Ligaments, Anterior Cruciate,Ligaments, Cranial Cruciate
D016119	Posterior Cruciate Ligament	A strong ligament of the knee that originates from the anterolateral surface of the medial condyle of the femur, passes posteriorly and inferiorly between the condyles, and attaches to the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia.	Cruciate Ligament, Posterior,Cruciate Ligaments, Posterior,Ligament, Posterior Cruciate,Ligaments, Posterior Cruciate,Posterior Cruciate Ligaments