Strong bands of ?brous tissue which serve to bind together the bones entering into a joint. In some cases they are cord-like; in others, ?attened bands – whilst most joints are surrounded by a ?brous capsule or capsular ligament. (See JOINTS.)
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.... cruciate ligaments
Health Encyclopedia