Conrad

Teheshia Harvey

November 12, 2010

Human Anatomy and Physiology I 1 - Fall 2010 BIOL-2111K-08

Michael Highers

                      Anterior Cruciate Ligaments/Tears

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of four major knee ligaments. The knee is similar to a hinge joint, located where the end of the thigh bone (femur) meets the top of the shin bone (tibia). Four main ligaments connect these the femur and the tibia. The medial collateral ligament (MCL)   runs along the inner part (side) of the knee and prevents the knee from bending inward. The lateral collateral ligament (LCL)   runs along the outer part (side) of the knee and prevents the knee from bending outward. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)   lies in the middle of the knee. It prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur, and provides rotational stability to the knee. Lastly, Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)   works with the ACL. It prevents the tibia from sliding backwards under the femur (Retrieved form www.umm.edu)
The ACL is critical to knee stability and minimizes stress across the knee joint. The ACL originates from deep within the notch of the distal femur. Its proximal fibers fan out along the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle. There are two bundles of the ACL—the anteromedial and the posterolateral, named according to where the bundles insert into the tibial plateau. The ACL attaches in front of the intercondyloid eminence of the tibia, being blended with the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus. These attachments allow it to resist anterior translation of the tibia, in relation to the femur(Retrieved from Webmd.com).
Injuries to the ACL can occur if the knee is bent backwards, twisted or bent to the side. ACL injuries usually occurs during sports. The injury can happen when your foot is firmly planted on the ground and a sudden force hits your knee while your leg is straight or slightly bent. Changing direction rapidly, slowing down when... [continues]

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