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Understanding Joint Structures and Functions

Feb 27, 2025

Professor Long's Anatomy and Physiology Lecture

Introduction

  • Videos intended for enrolled students to support learning
  • Focus on bones, joints, and articulations
  • Current topic: Joint structures and motions

Major Joints and Their Complexities

  • Knee Joint
    • Highly complex; frequently injured in sports
    • Understanding knee structure aids understanding of other joints
    • Anatomical view of the knee:
      • Anterior View: Femur, tibial plateau, patella
      • Lateral View: Distal femur, proximal tibia

Muscles and Tendons Surrounding the Knee

  • Hamstrings (posterior) and Quadriceps (anterior)
  • Patellar Tendon and Ligament
    • Patellar tendon connects quadriceps to tibial tuberosity
    • Patellar ligament holds patella to tibia

Ligaments in Knee Stabilization

  • Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL)
    • Cruciate = cross, they crisscross inside the knee
    • Maintain knee alignment, prevent excessive movement
  • Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL)
    • Provide medial and lateral stabilization

Common Injuries

  • Meniscus Tears
    • Most common athletic injury
    • Meniscus acts as a shock absorber
    • Torn meniscus can lead to arthritis

ACL and PCL Injuries in Athletes

  • More common in females due to joint laxity
  • Importance of strengthening exercises

Intervertebral Discs

  • Fibrocartilage pads between vertebrae
  • Annulus Fibrosus and Nucleus Pulposus
    • Provides shock absorption
  • Bulging and Herniated Discs
    • Bulging: Partial tear, causes nerve compression
    • Herniated: Complete tear, loss of nucleus pulposus

Spine and Proper Lifting Techniques

  • Protect the spine during patient transfer and weight lifting
  • Bend knees, keep the spine straight to avoid disc injuries

Conclusion

  • Master ligaments and disc structures
  • Study diligently, aim to explain concepts clearly to others

Remember to refer to the note set and the board for detailed diagrams and descriptions. Study effectively and ensure a solid understanding of the structural anatomy discussed.