Which ligament attaches the anterior tibia to the posterior femur?

• A. PCL
• B. MCL
• C. ACL
• D. LCL

Answer: (C)

In the knee, ligaments that cross inside the joint are cruciate ligaments, and one crosses from the front of the tibia to the back of the femur. This orientation defines the anterior cruciate ligament, which connects the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia to the posterior part of the medial wall of the lateral femoral condyle. Because of this path, it prevents the tibia from sliding forward relative to the femur and helps control rotational stability.

The other primary cruciate ligament runs in the opposite direction—from the tibia’s posterior area to the femur’s anterior region—and helps prevent the tibia from moving backward. Collateral ligaments on the inner and outer sides stabilize the knee against sideways forces rather than crossing the joint in the same way.