PCL is an abbreviation of 'posterior cruciate ligament'.
Sideview of the knee, cut in half to reveal the posterior cruciate ligament. The PCL is a stabilising ligament between the back of the tibia and the front of the femur, contained within the notch between the two rounded ends of the femur. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is not shown in this illustration.
Function of the PCL
The PCL prevents excessive backwards movement of the tibia in relation to the femur. It has an opposite action to its fellow, the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).
Synonyms:
Posterior cruciate ligament
-