What is a ligament that runs along the side of the knee joint called?

The ligament that runs along the side of the knee joint is known as the collateral ligament. There are two primary collateral ligaments in the knee: the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). These ligaments are essential for stabilizing the knee during movement, as they help to prevent excessive side-to-side motion.

The collateral ligaments are key components of the knee's structure, working to support the joint and maintain its integrity during various activities, such as walking, running, and jumping. They help improve the overall function of the knee by allowing a certain range of motion while restricting movements that could lead to injury.

In contrast, the cruciate ligaments, which include the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), are located in the center of the knee and are responsible for controlling forward and backward motion. The meniscus refers to the cartilage that acts as a cushion between the thigh bone and shin bone but does not provide lateral stability. The term articular ligament generally refers to ligaments that surround joints but is not specific to the function of lateral stabilization in the knee. Thus, collateral ligaments are the most accurate description for ligaments providing side stability in the knee joint