Name

# Anterior Cruciate Ligament

Pronunciation

(an-tir-eor kroo-she-at lig-a-ment)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Proximally:

Posterior part of the medial side of the lateral condyle of the femur (4).

Inner & back part of the outer condyle of the femur (5).

The inner surface of the outer condyle forms one of the lateral boundaries of the intercondyloid notch, & gives attachment, by its poterior part, to the ACL (5).

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Distally:

Attached to the rough depression in front of the spinous process of the tibia (intercondylar area) just posterior to the attachment of the medial meniscus (3)(2).

Notes

The ACL attaches to the anterior tibia, passes under the transverse ligament, & extends superiorly & posteriorly to attach to the posterior part of the inner aspect of the lateral femoral condyle. The numerous fascicles of the ACL may be grouped into an anteromedial band (AMB) & a posterlateral band (PLB), with the names taken again from the points of tibial origin. (1)

From its distal attachment the ACL travels superiorly, posteriorly, & laterally to make its proximal attachment.

References:

(1) Norkin, C. & Levangie, P.: Joint Structure & Function 2nd Edition, pp. 349

(2) Moore, K.L.: Clinically Orientated Anatomy 3rd Edition,

pp. 479, fig 5-93A/5-93B

(3) Gray, H: Gray's Anatomy 15th Edition,

pp. 164; 248

(4) Moore, K.L.: Clinically Orientated Anatomy 3rd Edition,

pp. 484, fig 5-95

(5) Gray, H: Gray's Anatomy 15th Edition,

pp. 159; 248