knee and ankle ligaments

menisci

2 fibro-cartilaginous discs that are seated on the medial and lateral tibial plateaus

anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL)

2 strong cordlike ligaments that cross in the back of the knee connecting the femur to the tibia. Limits extension and prevents rotation when the knee is in extension. Prevents forward and backward sliding of the femur on the tibia

medial collateral ligament (MCL)

a broad flat band that attaches the medial epicondyle of the femur to the medial condyle of the tibia. It is attached to the medial meniscus. checks and prevents lateral motion

Oblique popliteal ligament

a broad flat ligament covering the back of the knee and attaching the posterior surface of the femur to the posterior head of the tibia. Protects against knee hyperextension

transverse ligament

a short, slender cordlike ligament that connects anterior margin of the lateral meniscus to the medial meniscus

Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)

a strong cord that attaches the lateral epicondyle of the femur to the lateral head of the fibula. Checks extension and prevents medial motion

patellar ligament

a strong flat ligament connecting the lower patella with the tibial tuberosity

lateral collateral ligaments

attaches the fibula to the calcaneus to give the outside of the ankle stability

anterior tibiofibular ligament

connects the tibia to the fibula

deltoid ligaments

located on the inside of the ankle and connects the tibia to the talus and calcaneus. Provide medial stability to the ankle