The cruciate ligaments of the knee are a pair of bands of fibrous connective tissue located in the center of cavity of the knee joint. Being extremely tough, they connect and join the distal head of femur to the proximal head of tibia, providing support to the knee during rotation of tibia. They also hold the head of femur in place, preventing it from coming off the anterior edge of tibia.
The anterior cruciate ligament arises from the lateral condyle of femur, running forwards and medially to be attached to the tibia in the anterior intercondylar segment.
The posterior cruciate ligament originates from the medial surface of the medial femoral condyle as it travels backwards to be attached to the posterior intercondylar area of the tibia.
Below, diagram of anterior view of right knee-joint showing the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments right in the middle, between the distal head of femur and proximal head of tibia. You can also observe the knee menisci.
Posterior view of right knee-joint exhibiting cruciate ligaments
