PCL

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

PCL is an abbreviation of 'posterior cruciate ligament'.

Sideview of the knee, cut in half to reveal the posterior cruciate ligament. The PCL is a stabilising ligament between the back of the tibia and the front of the femur, contained within the notch between the two rounded ends of the femur. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is not shown in this illustration.

Side view of the inside of the knee joint, to show the normal situation of the PCL.

Function of the PCL

The PCL prevents excessive backwards movement of the tibia in relation to the femur.

It has an opposite action to its fellow, the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).

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A-Z Keywords -

Cruciate, Cruciate ligament, Posterior cruciate ligament, Anterior cruciate ligament

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