On average about 30 millimeters long and on average 11 millimeters wide, the anterior cruciate ligament arises on the inferior surface of the distal end of the femur (to be precise, in the area of the intercondylar fossa near the lateral condyle of the femur) and ends on the superior surface of the proximal end of the tibia (to be exact, in the anterior intercondylar fossa of the tibial plateau).
Crossed with the posterior cruciate ligament (another fundamental ligament of the knee), the anterior cruciate ligament fulfills two important functions: it prevents hyperextension of the knee and limits internal rotation of the tibia.
Following a knee sprain, the anterior cruciate ligament can be torn; laceration of the anterior cruciate ligament requires reconstructive surgery, as the ligament in question does not heal spontaneously.
The anterior cruciate ligament is a fundamental ligament of the knee, just like the aforementioned posterior cruciate ligament, the internal collateral ligament (or medial collateral ligament) and the external collateral ligament (or lateral collateral ligament).
Also known by the acronym ACL, the anterior cruciate ligament owes its name to the fact that, during the path of joining the tibia, it crosses with the posterior cruciate ligament ("cruciate"), passing in front of it ("anterior").
For further information: Knee Ligaments: What and What Are They? Anatomy and Function
