Any ligament shaped like a cross, especially either of two ligaments behind the knee which prevent the knee from bending forwards.
Two strong ligaments in the interior of the knee-joint, which cross one another like the limbs of the letter X. They are so attached as to become taut when the lower limb is straightened, and they prevent over-extension or bending forwards at the knee. The cruciate ligaments are sometimes strained or torn as a result of sporting injuries or vehicular accidents; surgery may be needed to repair the damage, but the knee will be permanently weakened.
The ligament of the ankle passing transversely across the dorsum of the foot that holds tendons of the anterior muscle group in place.
One of the pair of ligaments within the knee that intersect to create a cruciform structure. These ligaments establish links between the femur and tibia within the knee joint, serving to limit excessive bending and straightening of the knee.