The knee is made up of a complex network of bones, joints, cartilage, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves that work together to bear weight, enable movement like walking and bending, and provide stability.

The knee joint primarily connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia), with the kneecap (patella) sitting at the front. Smooth articular cartilage covers the ends of these bones, allowing them to glide easily, while specialized cartilage pads called menisci act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia.

Muscles like the quadriceps (front of thigh) and hamstrings (back of thigh) power knee movement, connected by strong tendons like the patellar tendon. Crucial ligaments—the collateral ligaments (MCL and LCL) on the sides and the cruciate ligaments (ACL and PCL) inside the joint—provide vital stability. Nerves transmit signals for movement control and sensation.

Because the knee is a major weight-bearing joint subjected to significant forces during everyday activities and sports, it is especially vulnerable to injury, arthritis, and overuse. Understanding how these intricate parts work together is the first step in keeping your knees healthy and functioning at their best.