Which ligament connects the femur to the fibula?

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) is the correct ligament that connects the femur to the fibula. This ligament is located on the outer side of the knee joint and plays a critical role in providing stability to the knee by preventing excessive side-to-side movement. By connecting the femur, which is the thigh bone, to the fibula, the smaller of the two bones in the lower leg, the LCL helps to maintain proper alignment and function of the knee during dynamic activities such as running, jumping, and changing directions.

In contrast, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are situated within the knee joint itself, connecting the femur to the tibia, which is the larger bone of the lower leg. These ligaments are responsible for stabilizing the knee during movements involving forward and backward motion. The medial collateral ligament (MCL), on the other hand, connects the femur to the tibia on the inner side of the knee and also helps to stabilize the joint against side-to-side forces. Therefore, while all these ligaments play essential roles in knee stability and function, it is the lateral collateral ligament that specifically connects the femur to the fibula.