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The knee joint is where the end of the upper leg bone (femur) meets the top of the lower leg bone (tibia). The end of the femur consists of two condyles, which are like runners or wheels on each side of the bone. These condyles sit on top of the tibia, which is like a platform that is slightly dished on each side. Thus, on each side of the joint, there is an area of contact between the two bones. When the knee is bent, the condyles of the femur roll and slide on top of the tibia at these two areas of contact. A third bone, the kneecap (patella), glides over the front and end of the femur.
The knee joint is where the end of the upper leg bone (femur) meets the top of the lower leg bone (tibia). The end of the femur consists of two condyles, which are like runners or wheels on each side of the bone. These condyles sit on top of the tibia, which is like a platform that is slightly dished on each side. Thus, on each side of the joint, there is an area of contact between the two bones. When the knee is bent, the condyles of the femur roll and slide on top of the tibia at these two areas of contact. A third bone, the kneecap (patella), glides over the front and end of the femur. |