Healthy Bones, Joints & Muscles

Synovial plica are folds within the fibrous membrane that eventually dissolve into the joint capsule of the knee. There are four plica in the knee including the suprapatellar, infrapatellar, medial patellar and lateral patellar. This answer... Full Answer

The bursas in the knee are small fluid filled sacs that have several functions. They provide cushion within the joint during movement. They allow the ligaments, muscles, and bones in the knee to move more freely due to their lubricating effect.... Full Answer

The hamstrings are three muscles located in the back of the thigh -- biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. The hamstring muscles run from the bottom of your pelvis to your knee. The hamstrings are primarily responsible for helping... Full Answer

The iliotibial band is a band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the thigh, and connects the side of the hip to the side of the knee. The iliotibial band provides stability to the knee and hip. Full Answer

Joints need cartilage to function properly. Up to eight times more slippery than ice, and with the ability to soak up and push out water as easily as a sponge, cartilage is perfectly designed to permit seamless motion between bones, while at the same... Full Answer

Articular cartilage is smooth, white cartilage on bones in joints such as the knee, which enables the bones to move smoothly together and the joint to move easily. This animation shows the role of articular cartilage in the knee joint. Full Answer

The two primary muscles in the upper back include the trapezius and, although usually considered more of a shoulder muscle, the rear deltoid. The trapezius, because it has different sections (upper, middle, and lower), can perform a variety of functions.... Full Answer

Knee cartilage covers the ends of the thigh and shinbones and the back of the kneecap. It allows the bones to move smoothly and enables to bending of the knee for activities such as climbing stairs easily and without pain. This animation shows the... Full Answer

Articular cartilage, which is smooth and firm, covers the ball at the end of the thighbone and lines the cup-like socket in the pelvis that make up the joint. Normal cartilage allows the ball to glide smoothly within the socket, to give you full motion... Full Answer

The hip is an example of a ball and socket joint, which means a rounded ball of bone at one end of the thighbone, or femur, moves inside a cup-like socket that is part of the pelvis. Full Answer