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Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures is responsible for connecting the femur to the tibia in the knee joint?
A
Patella
B
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
C
Meniscus
D
Quadriceps tendon
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by identifying the anatomical structures listed in the problem. The femur is the thigh bone, and the tibia is the shin bone. The knee joint connects these two bones and includes various ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
Step 2: Understand the function of each structure mentioned in the options:
- Patella: This is the kneecap, a small bone that protects the knee joint but does not directly connect the femur to the tibia.
- Meniscus: This is a cartilage structure that cushions the knee joint but does not connect the femur to the tibia.
- Quadriceps tendon: This connects the quadriceps muscle to the patella, not the femur to the tibia.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): This ligament connects the femur to the tibia and stabilizes the knee joint.
Step 3: Focus on the ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the key ligaments in the knee joint. It prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur and provides stability during movement.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options based on their anatomical roles. The patella, meniscus, and quadriceps tendon do not directly connect the femur to the tibia, leaving the ACL as the correct structure.
Step 5: Conclude that the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is responsible for connecting the femur to the tibia in the knee joint and plays a critical role in stabilizing the knee during physical activities.