How does Your Knee Work

The knee is an amazing joint that has three sections.
The thigh bone (also called the femur) joins with the large shin bone (aka the tibia) and so forms the knww joint.
This knee joint has an inner and an outer section or compartment. The kneecap itself (properly know as the patella) connects with the femur(thigh bone) and forms a third compartment. This is called the patellofemoral joint.

The knee joint is surrounded by ligaments that strap both the inside and outside of the joint , as well as crossing within the joint.
These ligaments help to provide stability and give strength to the knee joint itself.

The thick pad of cartliage (known as the meniscus) is between the femur and tibia. The meniscus acts as a slippy surface for the motion of the joint to act on, and allows the knee to take the load of the body. The knee joint itself is surrounded by a fluid filled sack called the bursae, and this reduces the friction of the tendons. A large tendon below the knee (called the patellar tendon) is attached to the tibia.