Which statement is true about the MCL?

Which statement is true about the MCL?

• A. It is on the medial side of the knee
• B. It is on the lateral side of the knee
• C. It is in the ankle region
• D. It is a tendon of the quadriceps

Answer: (A)

The medial collateral ligament sits on the inside (medial) of the knee and helps stabilize the joint by resisting forces that push the knee inward toward the other leg (valgus stress). This makes it the true statement. It is not on the outside of the knee—that would be the lateral collateral ligament—nor is it in the ankle region. It is also a ligament, not a tendon, so it is not a tendon of the quadriceps.

The medial collateral ligament sits on the inside (medial) of the knee and helps stabilize the joint by resisting forces that push the knee inward toward the other leg (valgus stress). This makes it the true statement. It is not on the outside of the knee—that would be the lateral collateral ligament—nor is it in the ankle region. It is also a ligament, not a tendon, so it is not a tendon of the quadriceps.