Tendons are among the many structures that play an important role in the movement of the knee joint. The tendons of the knee are named for the muscles they attach or the location from which the muscles originate. The tendons of the knee joint attach the muscles of the upper leg to the bones of the lower leg.
Quadriceps Tendon
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the quadriceps tendon is the culmination of all the connective tissue serving the four muscles that constitute the quadriceps: the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, vastus medialis, and the rectus femoris. The tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles to the patella, allowing for leg extension and rotation.
Vastus Medialis Oblique Tendon
The vastus medialis oblique muscle, or VMO, is a small portion of one of the four muscles that constitute the quadriceps. The Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation states that the tendon tissue that attaches this muscle to the patella, via the quadriceps tendon, makes it possible for the VMO to help stabilize the knee and maintain the patella in proper alignment.
Patellar Tendon
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the patellar tendon attaches the patella, or kneecap, to the tibia, the large bone of the lower leg. Because it is relatively narrow compared to the quadriceps tendon, it is prone to injury, especially in athletes. The ultimate purpose of the patellar tendon is to attach the quadriceps muscles to the lower leg.
Iliotibial Band
The American Academy of Family Physicians identifies the iliotibial band as the long, cord-like tendon that attaches the tensor fascia latae muscle to the outer portion of the knee at the heads of the fibula and tibia. The band allows the tensor fascia latae to abduct the leg away from the body. The iliotibial band gets its name from its origin and insertion, as its muscle originates on the iliac crest and inserts primarily at the tibia.
Tendons of the Hamstrings
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the biceps femoris tendon, semitendinosus tendon and semimembranosus tendon are named for the muscles they attach. They run along the back of the thigh and primarily facilitate knee flexion. The tendons of the hamstrings attach to the heads of the tibia and the fibula at the medial lateral portions of the knee.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: your orthopaedic connection: Quadriceps Tendon Tear: Anatomy
- Hughston Sports Medicine Foundation: Hughston Health Alert: Rehabilitation for the Extensor Mechanism
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: your orthopaedic connection: Patellar Tendon Tear: Anatomy
- American Academy of Family Physicians: American Family Physician: Ilitotibial Band Syndrome: A Common Source of Knee Pain
- Sports Injury Info: Knee Tendons
