Lateral Condyle of Femur Flashcards

Study the lateral femoral condyle, its articular surfaces, bony landmarks, ligament and muscle attachments, and clinical anatomy.

Card 1 of 26Question

What is the lateral condyle of the femur?

The lateral rounded articular prominence at the distal end of the femur.

In This Section

1. What is the lateral condyle of the femur?

The lateral rounded articular prominence at the distal end of the femur.

2. Where is the lateral femoral condyle located?

At the distal end of the femur, lateral to the medial femoral condyle.

3. Which bone articulates with the inferior surface of the lateral femoral condyle?

The lateral condyle of the tibia.

4. Which part of the knee joint is formed by the lateral femoral and tibial condyles?

The lateral tibiofemoral compartment.

5. What type of cartilage covers the articular surface of the lateral femoral condyle?

Hyaline articular cartilage.

6. Which meniscus lies between the lateral femoral condyle and lateral tibial plateau?

The lateral meniscus.

7. What is the primary function of the lateral meniscus beneath the femoral condyle?

To distribute joint loads and improve congruence between the femoral and tibial articular surfaces.

8. Which anatomical structure separates the femoral condyles posteriorly?

The intercondylar fossa.

9. Which cruciate ligament attaches to the medial surface of the lateral femoral condyle?

The anterior cruciate ligament.

10. Where is the femoral attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament located?

On the posteromedial aspect of the lateral femoral condyle within the intercondylar fossa.

11. What is the principal stabilizing function of the anterior cruciate ligament?

To resist anterior displacement of the tibia relative to the femur.

12. What is the lateral epicondyle of the femur?

A nonarticular bony prominence on the lateral side of the distal femur, superior to the condylar articular surface.

13. Which ligament attaches to the lateral femoral epicondyle?

The fibular collateral ligament, also called the lateral collateral ligament.

14. What is the primary function of the fibular collateral ligament?

To resist varus stress at the knee joint.

15. Which muscle originates from the lateral aspect of the distal femur near the lateral condyle?

The lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle.

16. Which muscle has its proximal tendon attachment in a groove on the lateral femoral condyle?

The popliteus muscle.

17. Where is the popliteal groove located?

On the lateral surface of the lateral femoral condyle, near the lateral epicondyle.

18. Which ligament connects the lateral meniscus to the popliteus tendon?

The popliteomeniscal fascicles.

19. Which muscle originates from the lateral supracondylar line above the lateral femoral condyle?

The plantaris muscle.

20. Which part of the lateral femoral condyle contributes to the patellofemoral articulation?

Its anterior extension forms the lateral facet of the femoral trochlea.

21. Why is the lateral trochlear facet important for patellar stability?

Its prominent lateral ridge helps resist lateral displacement of the patella.

22. What movements occur between the lateral femoral condyle and tibial plateau?

Combined rolling and gliding during knee flexion and extension, with rotation when the knee is flexed.

23. Which arteries contribute to the blood supply of the lateral femoral condyle?

Branches of the genicular arterial network, particularly the lateral superior and inferior genicular arteries.

24. What is an osteochondral fracture of the lateral femoral condyle?

A fracture involving the articular cartilage and underlying subchondral bone of the lateral condyle.

25. What is the clinical significance of a lateral femoral notch sign?

A deepened lateral femoral condylopatellar sulcus on radiographs that may indicate an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

26. Which knee injury may produce a bone contusion on the lateral femoral condyle?

An anterior cruciate ligament rupture caused by a pivot-shift mechanism.