Medial Condyle of Femur Flashcards

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

Card 1 of 26Question

What is the medial condyle of the femur?

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

In This Section

1. What is the medial condyle of the femur?

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

2. Which bone articulates with the inferior surface of the medial femoral condyle?

The medial condyle of the tibia.

3. Which compartment of the knee joint contains the medial femoral condyle?

The medial tibiofemoral compartment.

4. What type of cartilage covers the articular surface of the medial femoral condyle?

Hyaline articular cartilage.

5. Which meniscus lies between the medial femoral condyle and medial tibial plateau?

The medial meniscus.

6. What is the principal function of the medial meniscus beneath the femoral condyle?

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

7. Which anatomical structure separates the medial and lateral femoral condyles posteriorly?

The intercondylar fossa.

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

The posterior cruciate ligament.

9. Where is the femoral attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament located?

On the lateral surface of the medial femoral condyle within the intercondylar fossa.

10. What is the primary stabilizing function of the posterior cruciate ligament?

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

11. What is the medial epicondyle of the femur?

A nonarticular bony prominence on the medial distal femur, superior to the medial condylar articular surface.

12. Which ligament attaches to the medial femoral epicondyle?

The tibial collateral ligament, also called the medial collateral ligament.

13. What is the primary function of the tibial collateral ligament?

To resist valgus stress at the knee joint.

14. Which bony prominence lies superior to the medial femoral epicondyle?

The adductor tubercle.

15. Which muscle inserts onto the adductor tubercle?

The hamstring part of the adductor magnus muscle.

16. Which muscle originates from the posterior distal femur superior to the medial condyle?

The medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle.

17. Which muscle has attachments along the medial supracondylar line of the femur?

The vastus medialis muscle.

18. Which part of the medial femoral condyle contributes to the patellofemoral joint?

Its anterior extension forms the medial facet of the femoral trochlear surface.

19. How does the medial femoral condyle compare in distal extent with the lateral femoral condyle?

The medial condyle typically projects slightly farther distally when considered relative to the femoral shaft.

20. How does the medial femoral condyle contribute to the screw-home mechanism of the knee?

Its articular geometry contributes to terminal rotation as the knee approaches full extension.

21. What movements occur between the medial femoral condyle and tibial plateau?

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

22. Which arteries contribute to the blood supply of the medial femoral condyle?

Branches of the genicular arterial network, including the superior and inferior medial genicular arteries.

23. What is osteochondritis dissecans of the medial femoral condyle?

A focal disorder of subchondral bone that may cause instability or separation of an overlying osteochondral fragment.

24. Which region of the medial femoral condyle is commonly affected by osteochondritis dissecans?

The lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle, near the intercondylar notch.

25. What is a subchondral insufficiency fracture of the medial femoral condyle?

A stress-related fracture beneath the articular cartilage caused by loading of weakened subchondral bone.

26. Why can an intra-articular fracture of the medial femoral condyle impair knee function?

Articular displacement can disrupt tibiofemoral congruence and increase the risk of post-traumatic osteoarthritis.