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Multiple Choice
Which of the following ligaments prevents the tibia from sliding forward in the knee joint?
A
Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL)
B
Medial collateral ligament (MCL)
C
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
D
Lateral collateral ligament (LCL)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the anatomy of the knee joint: The knee joint is stabilized by several ligaments, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Each ligament has a specific function in maintaining joint stability.
Focus on the function of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL): The ACL is responsible for preventing the tibia (shinbone) from sliding forward relative to the femur (thighbone). This is a critical function during activities like walking, running, and jumping.
Compare the functions of the other ligaments: The posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) prevents the tibia from sliding backward, while the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) provide stability to the sides of the knee joint, preventing excessive side-to-side movement.
Identify the correct ligament based on the problem: Since the question asks which ligament prevents the tibia from sliding forward, the correct answer is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This matches the specific function of the ACL in knee joint stabilization.
Review the importance of ligament integrity: Damage to the ACL, such as a tear, can lead to instability in the knee joint and difficulty in performing activities that require forward movement control. This highlights the importance of the ACL in maintaining proper knee function.