Which of the following arteries gives arterial supply to ACL?
A. Circumflex fibular artery
B. Descending genicular artery
C. Superior genicular artery
D. Middle genicular artery
E. None of the above
Answer. D. (Middle genicular artery)
• Middle genicular artery is a branch of popliteal artery and supplies cruciate
ligaments and synovial membrane of the knee joint. It reaches the interior of
the knee by piercing the oblique popliteal ligament of the knee.
• Cruciate ligaments are supplied by
the middle genicular nerves, branches from the tibial nerve.
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is attached to the anterior aspect of the tibia and runs
backwards, upwards and laterally to reach the
lateral femoral condyle, where it gets
attached.
• ACL prevents excessive anterior
movement of the tibia on the femur. If it is torn (e.g., terrible triad)
anterior drawer test becomes positive.
• Descending genicular artery is a branch of femoral artery and contributes to the
anastomosis around the knee joint. ment.
• This coronary ligament on the medial
side fixes the medial meniscus to the capsule as well as to the tibia.
• The relatively fixity of medial
meniscus leads to increased incidence of medial
meniscal injuries, as compared to the
lateral.
• The lateral meniscus is protected by
popliteus, which pulls it backwards, and avoids its crushing between articular
surface.
Ligament of Humphrey (Anterior
Menisco-Femoral Ligament) — lies anterior to the PCL and attaches on the
anterior aspect of PCL and runs upto the medial femoral condyle.
• Ligament of Wrisberg (Posterior
Menisco-Femoral Ligament) — lies posterior to the PCL and attaches on to the
posterior aspect of PCL and runs upto the medial femoral condyle
• Fibular head artery is the circumflex fibular branch given by the posterior
tibial artery, which also contributes towards the knee anastomosis.
• Superior genicular artery is a branch of popliteal artery which
also plays a role in the anastomosis around the knee joint.
Note: Accessory blood supply to the
ACL—
• Inferior genicular artery:
— Medial inferior genicular artery
— Lateral inferior genicular artery
