Which statement about the knee is INCORRECT?
a.) The deep cups created by the tibial condyles help to stabilize the joint.
b.) Several bursae secrete synovial fluid to lubricate the knee.
c.) The knee is vulnerable to lateral forces that can cause injury.
d.) Several ligaments cross the knee to stabilize the knee in several directions.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The incorrect statement about the knee is:
a.) The deep cups created by the tibial condyles help to stabilize the joint.
Explanation:
The tibial condyles are the rounded prominences at the top of the tibia (shinbone) that form the lower part of the knee joint. These condyles, however, do not create “deep cups” to stabilize the knee. Instead, they have relatively flat surfaces that articulate with the femoral condyles (the rounded parts of the femur). The knee joint is primarily stabilized by other structures such as ligaments, tendons, and menisci, not by the shape of the tibial condyles.
Correct Statements:
b.) Several bursae secrete synovial fluid to lubricate the knee.
- This statement is correct. The knee has several bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that reduce friction between the knee’s moving parts. They secrete synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, allowing smooth movement. Examples include the prepatellar bursa and the infrapatellar bursa.
c.) The knee is vulnerable to lateral forces that can cause injury.
- This is also correct. The knee is particularly vulnerable to injuries caused by lateral forces, such as during sports like football or soccer. A blow to the outside of the knee can lead to ligament injuries (e.g., tears in the ACL or MCL) because the knee is more prone to twisting and collapsing under such stresses.
d.) Several ligaments cross the knee to stabilize the knee in several directions.
- This is accurate. The knee is stabilized by several ligaments, including the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These ligaments provide stability and limit excessive movement in multiple directions, such as forward, backward, and sideways motions.
In summary, the tibial condyles themselves don’t create deep cups for stabilization; it’s the ligaments and other structures that provide most of the knee’s stability.