The primary ligament located on the inner side of the knee is the medial collateral ligament (MCL).
The MCL is a broad, strong band of tissue connecting the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). It is crucial for stabilizing the knee against valgus stress (force applied to the outer side of the knee that pushes the inner knee outward). Its main functions include:
- Providing stability to the knee joint, particularly against forces pushing the knee inwards.
- Resisting excessive knee rotation.
While the MCL is the primary ligament of the inner knee, other structures also contribute to the knee's overall stability and function, although they aren't solely located on the "inner" aspect in the same way the MCL is. These include:
- Pes Anserinus Tendons: These tendons (Sartorius, Gracilis, and Semitendinosus) insert on the anteromedial (front and inner) aspect of the tibia and provide dynamic stability. While they are not ligaments, they offer support to the medial aspect of the knee.
In summary, while other structures contribute to overall knee stability, the medial collateral ligament (MCL) is the major ligament directly located and primarily responsible for the stability of the inner knee.
