Joints of the Lower Limb Flashcards

Which structure forms the acetabular labrum's primary function in the hip joint?

Answer: Deepens the socket and improves stability

The acetabular labrum deepens the acetabular socket, increasing joint congruency and stability while also creating a negative pressure seal.

The zona orbicularis of the hip joint capsule is best described as:

Answer: Circular fibers that grip the femoral neck

The zona orbicularis consists of circular capsular fibers that encircle the femoral neck, helping retain the femoral head in the acetabulum.

Which nerve is most at risk during a posterior surgical approach to the hip?

Answer: Sciatic nerve

The sciatic nerve passes posterior to the hip joint and is the structure most at risk during posterior hip surgery or posterior hip dislocation.

The ligament of the head of the femur (ligamentum teres) transmits which artery in adults?

Answer: Obturator artery branch

The ligamentum teres carries a branch of the obturator artery to the femoral head, though its contribution to femoral head vascularity is minor in adults.

During hip abduction, which ligament becomes taut to limit excessive movement?

Answer: Pubofemoral ligament

The pubofemoral ligament, oriented horizontally, tightens during abduction and external rotation to limit excessive hip abduction.

The hip joint's blood supply to the femoral head is primarily from which vessel?

Answer: Medial circumflex femoral artery

The medial circumflex femoral artery provides the dominant blood supply to the femoral head via retinacular vessels running along the femoral neck.

Which movement at the hip joint is most restricted by the iliofemoral ligament (Y-ligament of Bigelow)?

Answer: Hyperextension

The iliofemoral ligament is the strongest hip ligament and primarily limits hyperextension, allowing humans to stand upright with minimal muscular effort.