On MRI, the structure that separates the anterior from the posterior compartments of the knee joint on sagittal images, appearing as a low-signal band connecting the intercondylar notch of the femur to the tibial plateau, is the:

• A Posterior cruciate ligament
• B Anterior cruciate ligament ✓
• C Ligamentum mucosum (infrapatellar fold)
• D Medial collateral ligament

Explanation

On sagittal MRI, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is visualized as a low-signal band coursing from the posterior aspect of the intercondylar notch of the lateral femoral condyle to the anterior tibial plateau. The ACL normally appears striated (multiple low-signal parallel bands) on MRI. The posterior cruciate ligament has a more vertical and posterior course, appearing as a thick homogeneous low-signal structure. In ACL tears, the normal striation is lost and the band appears thickened, irregular, or absent.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.