Two ligaments in the knee that pass over each other to form a cross. The ligaments form connections between the femur and tibia inside the knee joint and prevent overbending and overstraightening at the knee.
Two strong ligaments in the interior of the knee-joint, which cross one another like the limbs of the letter X. They are so attached as to become taut when the lower limb is straightened, and they prevent over-extension or bending forwards at the knee. The cruciate ligaments are sometimes strained or torn as a result of sporting injuries or vehicular accidents; surgery may be needed to repair the damage, but the knee will be permanently weakened.
a pair (anterior and posterior) of ligaments inside each knee joint, which help to prevent excessive anteroposterior glide. Damage to the cruciate ligaments is a common *sports injury, especially in football players.
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