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Anterior cruciate ligament
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The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), is the weaker of two cruciate ligaments of the knee, the other being the posterior cruciate ligament. These intracapsular ligaments are so named due to the fact that they cross each other, creating an imaginary cross (the word cruciate comes from the latin word crux that means cross).
The anterior cruciate ligament originates from the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia, close to the attachment of the medial meniscus. From here, it extends superoposteriorly, and laterally to insert on to the posteromedial side of the lateral femoral condyle. It measures roughly 38 mm in length and like its counterpart has no synovial covering although it sits inside the joint capsule. As it traverses the intercondylar region, the anterior cruciate ligament crosses lateral to the posterior cruciate ligament.
The primary function of the ACL is to prevent posterior displacement of the femur on a fixed tibia or anterior displacement of the tibia on the femur. Additionally, during flexion, the ACL limits posterior rolling of the femoral condyles on the tibial plateau. The ACL also serves to restrict hyperextension of the knee joint.
| Terminology |
English: Anterior cruciate ligament Latin: Ligamentum cruciatum anterius Synonym: Ligamentum decussatum anterius |
| Attachments | Tibia: Anterior intercondylar area Femur: Posteromedial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle |
| Function | Prevent posterior displacement of the femur on a fixed tibia, limits posterior rolling of the femoral condyles on the tibial plateau during flexion, prevents hyperextension of the knee joint |
Take a closer look at the ligaments of the knee joint using the study unit below.
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