The posterior cruciate is one of the two cruciate ligaments which are important in stabilising the knee.

posterior cruciate ligament

 

 

In this illustration, looking at the knee from the side, the joint has been cut in half to show the position of the posterior cruciate ligament.

 

 

Anatomy of the posterior cruciate ligament

The posterior cruciate ligament is one of two main ligaments in the centre of the knee, the other being the anterior cruciate ligament. It reaches from the back of the upper end of the tibia bone to the roof of the notch in the femur at the front.

 

What is the function of the posterior cruciate ligament?

The posterior cruciate ligament prevents the femur sliding too far forward in relation to the tibia when the person walks or runs. The anterior cruciate ligament (not shown) has an opposite function.

 

Synonyms: 
PCL
-

Dr Sheila Strover (Editor)
BSc (Hons), MB BCh, MBA

See biography...