Question

multiple choice question

about how many bursae are found in each knee?

3
13
23

Explanation:

Identify the anatomical structure and question

The question asks for the approximate number of bursae located in each human knee joint.

Analyze knee joint anatomy

The knee joint is a complex synovial joint that requires extensive lubrication and cushioning due to the high friction generated by surrounding tendons and ligaments. To facilitate smooth movement, the knee contains numerous fluid-filled sacs called bursae.

Determine the number of bursae

According to standard human anatomy textbooks (such as Saladin's Anatomy & Physiology or Marieb's Human Anatomy & Physiology), there are at least 13 bursae associated with each knee joint. These include:

• Anterior bursae (4): Suprapatellar bursa, prepatellar bursa, superficial infrapatellar bursa, and deep infrapatellar bursa.
• Lateral bursae (4): Subtendinous iliotibial bursa, bursa between the fibular collateral ligament and biceps femoris tendon, subpopliteal bursa, and a bursa between the lateral head of the gastrocnemius and the joint capsule.
• Medial bursae (5): Anserine bursa (between the pes anserinus tendons and tibial collateral ligament), semimembranosus bursa, and others separating medial tendons from the joint capsule.

This brings the total count to approximately 13.

Evaluate the given options

• 3: Too low; this only covers a fraction of the anterior bursae.
• 13: This is the standard textbook value for the number of bursae in each knee.
• 23: Too high; the knee does not contain this many distinct, major bursae.

Therefore, the correct option is 13.

Answer:

• 3
• 13 (Correct answer)
• 23