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Quizzes > Health & Medicine

Knee ligaments quiz: test your knee anatomy knowledge

Quick, free knee anatomy quiz. Instant results and helpful review.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Aryana AvalosUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art knee joint anatomy on golden yellow background promoting free quiz on ligaments and function

This knee anatomy quiz helps you spot key knee ligaments, the menisci, cartilage, and bony landmarks, and how the joint fits and moves. Get instant results, then extend your practice with our joint anatomy quiz, sharpen surface knowledge in the bone landmarks quiz, or step back with a broader musculoskeletal quiz.

Which bone does NOT articulate with the knee joint?
Patella
Tibia
Fibula
Femur
The knee joint proper is formed by the femur, tibia, and patella, while the fibula does not directly articulate with the femur. The proximal tibiofibular joint is separate from the knee joint itself. The fibula serves as an attachment for ligaments and muscles but does not bear weight across the knee. For more details see .
What type of joint is the knee?
Condyloid joint
Synovial hinge joint
Ball-and-socket joint
Pivot joint
The knee is classified as a synovial hinge joint that primarily allows flexion and extension with a small degree of rotation. Its hinge design provides stability for weight-bearing activities. It also contains two articulations: tibiofemoral and patellofemoral. For an in-depth overview see .
Which ligament is the primary stabilizer against anterior tibial translation?
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
The ACL runs from the lateral femoral condyle to the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia and prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia. Injury to the ACL leads to increased anterior tibial translation and knee instability. It is one of the most commonly injured knee ligaments in athletes. For more information see .
The patella is classified as which type of bone?
Irregular bone
Long bone
Sesamoid bone
Short bone
The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body, embedded within the quadriceps tendon. Sesamoid bones develop within tendons to protect them from stress and wear. The patella improves the lever arm of the quadriceps mechanism. For further reading see .
What structure increases the congruency between the femur and tibia?
Menisci
Cruciate ligaments
Collateral ligaments
Bursae
The medial and lateral menisci are fibrocartilaginous structures that deepen the tibial plateaus and improve congruency with the femoral condyles. They distribute load and absorb shock during weight-bearing. Damage to the menisci can lead to joint degeneration. Learn more at .
Which muscle group is the primary knee extensor?
Quadriceps
Adductors
Gastrocnemius
Hamstrings
The quadriceps femoris group (vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and rectus femoris) is the main extensor of the knee. Contraction of these muscles straightens the leg from a bent position. They also play a role in patellar stabilization. See .
Where is the medial collateral ligament (MCL) located?
Behind the knee joint
Within the joint capsule
On the medial side connecting femur to tibia
On the lateral side of the knee
The MCL is located on the inner (medial) aspect of the knee and connects the medial femoral condyle to the medial tibial plateau. It resists valgus stress and stabilizes the knee against side-to-side forces. It is extracapsular but deep fibers merge with the joint capsule. More details at .
Which meniscus is more C-shaped and less mobile, making it more prone to injury?
Anterior meniscus
Medial meniscus
Posterior meniscus
Lateral meniscus
The medial meniscus has a C-shape and is firmly attached to the MCL and joint capsule, making it less mobile and more susceptible to tears. The lateral meniscus is more O-shaped and mobile. Medial meniscus injuries often occur with twisting forces. Read more at .
Which structure secretes synovial fluid within the knee joint?
Articular cartilage
Meniscus
Synovial membrane
Periosteum
The synovial membrane lines the inner joint capsule and produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the articular surfaces and nourishes cartilage. Articular cartilage is avascular and relies on synovial fluid for nutrient exchange. Disruption can lead to arthritis. See .
Which bursa lies between the patellar tendon and the tibia?
Prepatellar bursa
Pes anserine bursa
Suprapatellar bursa
Infrapatellar bursa
The deep infrapatellar bursa is located beneath the patellar tendon above the tibial tuberosity and reduces friction during knee movement. The prepatellar bursa lies over the patella, while the suprapatellar bursa sits above the femur. Inflammation of these bursae leads to bursitis. More info at .
The 'unhappy triad' knee injury involves damage to the ACL, MCL, and which meniscal component?
Anterior horn
Posterior horn
Medial meniscus
Lateral meniscus
The classic unhappy triad includes tears of the ACL, MCL, and the medial meniscus, often from a lateral blow to the knee. The medial meniscus is attached to the MCL, so valgus stress commonly injures both. Early diagnosis is critical for joint stability. See .
Which nerve innervates the popliteus muscle?
Femoral nerve
Common fibular nerve
Obturator nerve
Tibial nerve
The popliteus muscle is innervated by a branch of the tibial nerve and helps unlock the knee by medially rotating the tibia. It is located in the posterior compartment of the leg. Injury to this nerve branch can impair knee flexion and rotation. Reference: .
Which part of the meniscus is vascularized and has the best healing potential?
None of the meniscus
Both inner and outer thirds
Outer one-third
Inner one-third
The outer 'red' zone of the meniscus receives blood supply from the medial and lateral genicular arteries, giving it the best healing capacity. The inner 'white' zone is avascular and heals poorly. Surgical repairs focus on tears in the vascular zone. More at .
The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) primarily resists which motion?
Posterior translation of the tibia
Anterior translation of the tibia
Valgus stress
Varus stress
The PCL attaches from the medial femoral condyle to the posterior tibial plateau and prevents the tibia from moving too far backwards under the femur. It is stronger than the ACL and less commonly injured. PCL tears lead to posterior instability. See .
Which ligament prevents excessive valgus stress at the knee?
Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
The MCL spans the medial side of the knee and resists forces pushing the knee inward (valgus stress). It works in concert with the joint capsule and medial meniscus for stability. MCL injuries commonly occur in contact sports. For more see .
Which artery provides the primary blood supply to the anterior cruciate ligament?
Middle genicular artery
Inferior medial genicular artery
Popliteal artery
Descending genicular artery
The middle genicular artery branches directly from the popliteal artery and penetrates the posterior capsule to vascularize both the ACL and PCL. Its integrity is vital for ligament healing. Injuries often compromise this blood supply. More details at .
During the screw-home mechanism at the end of knee extension, the tibia rotates in which direction relative to the femur?
Internal rotation
External rotation
No rotation
Medial rotation
As the knee locks into full extension, the tibia externally rotates relative to the femur, tightening the cruciate ligaments and providing stability. This phenomenon is called the screw-home mechanism. Unlocking requires internal rotation by the popliteus. See .
The deep fibers of the medial collateral ligament are firmly attached to which structure?
Lateral meniscus
Medial meniscus
Posterior cruciate ligament
Anterior cruciate ligament
The deep portion of the MCL is directly fused to the medial meniscus and joint capsule, creating a functional complex. This attachment increases joint stability but makes the meniscus more vulnerable during valgus stress injuries. Learn more at .
Articular cartilage covering the femoral condyles is predominantly made of which type of collagen?
Type X collagen
Type III collagen
Type I collagen
Type II collagen
Articular cartilage is composed mainly of Type II collagen, which provides tensile strength and resilience to compressive loads. Other collagen types are present in smaller amounts but Type II is predominant. Degeneration of this matrix leads to osteoarthritis. See .
The fabella, when present, is most commonly found in which tendon?
Medial head of the gastrocnemius tendon
Lateral head of the gastrocnemius tendon
Semimembranosus tendon
Biceps femoris tendon
The fabella is a sesamoid bone embedded in the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle behind the knee. It is present in a variable percentage of the population and can be associated with posterior knee pain. More at .
Bone marrow edema in the knee is best visualized on which MRI sequence?
T2-weighted fat-suppressed sequence
T1-weighted sequence
Proton density sequence
Gradient echo sequence
T2-weighted fat-suppressed or STIR sequences highlight fluid as high signal and suppress fat, making bone marrow edema conspicuous. T1 images show edema as low signal but are less sensitive. Radiologists rely on T2 FS for detecting marrow pathology. Reference: .
A positive posterior drawer test indicates injury to which ligament?
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
The posterior drawer test assesses the integrity of the PCL by translating the tibia posteriorly. Increased posterior movement compared to the opposite side indicates PCL injury. It is a key clinical maneuver for PCL diagnosis. See .
The oblique popliteal ligament is a reinforcement of which part of the knee joint capsule?
Anterior capsule
Medial capsule
Posterior capsule
Lateral capsule
The oblique popliteal ligament is an expansion of the semimembranosus tendon that reinforces the posterior aspect of the knee joint capsule. It helps prevent hyperextension and contributes to posteromedial stability. For details see .
Which mechanoreceptor type in the knee joint is most sensitive to changes in joint position and contributes significantly to proprioception?
Free nerve endings
Pacinian corpuscles
Ruffini endings
Golgi tendon organs
Ruffini endings in the knee joint capsule detect sustained pressure and joint position, playing a vital role in proprioceptive feedback. Pacinian corpuscles respond to rapid changes in pressure but less to static position. Golgi tendon organs are found in tendons, and free nerve endings signal pain. More on joint receptors at .
The anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee attaches distally to which bony landmark on the tibia?
Tibial tuberosity
Fibular head
Pes anserinus
Gerdy tubercle
Anatomical studies show the ALL originates near the lateral femoral epicondyle and inserts on the anterolateral tibia at the Gerdy tubercle. This structure helps control internal tibial rotation. The ALL's clinical relevance is evolving in ACL surgery research. See .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Ligaments of the Knee -

    After completing the knee anatomy quiz, pinpoint the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL in the knee joint anatomy and understand their spatial relationships.

  2. Describe Major Bone and Cartilage Structures -

    Outline the roles of the femur, tibia, patella, and menisci in supporting and cushioning the knee during movement, as featured in this knee joint anatomy quiz.

  3. Differentiate Ligament Functions -

    Explain how each ligament contributes to knee stability by resisting hyperextension, rotation, or lateral stress.

  4. Analyze Joint Mechanics and Stability -

    Interpret quiz scenarios to assess how bone and ligament interactions affect knee movement and injury risk.

  5. Recall Anatomical Terminology Accurately -

    Use precise terms when answering knee ligaments quiz questions to enhance clarity and communication.

  6. Apply Knowledge to Injury Prevention -

    Identify common knee injury mechanisms and propose strategies to protect the joint based on quiz insights.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Bony Structures and Landmarks -

    The knee comprises four bones - femur, tibia, patella, and fibula - that form the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joints. Remember "Find The Perfect Fit" (Femur, Tibia, Patella, Fibula) to nail the knee joint anatomy quiz basics.

  2. Primary Knee Ligaments -

    Four main ligaments - ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL - stabilize the knee by controlling anterior-posterior and medial-lateral movements. Use the mnemonic "A Pretty Little Love" (Anterior, Posterior, Lateral, Medial) to recall their order and functions.

  3. Menisci Mechanics -

    The medial and lateral menisci are C-shaped fibrocartilage pads that absorb shock and evenly distribute load across the tibiofemoral joint. Note that the lateral meniscus is almost a full circle while the medial is a "C," helping you remember why the medial meniscus tears more often (firmer attachments).

  4. Joint Classification & Motion -

    The knee functions as a hinge joint (tibiofemoral) permitting flexion/extension and as a gliding joint (patellofemoral) for smooth patellar tracking. In your knee ligaments quiz, recall that internal/external rotation occurs only in flexion, critical for the locking mechanism.

  5. Screw-Home Mechanism -

    During the final 20° of extension, the tibia externally rotates ("screws home") to lock the knee, boosting stability with minimal muscular effort. Visualize the tibia "screwing" into extension and "unscrewing" into flexion like a jar lid to master this concept in the ligaments of the knee quiz.

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