Which joint is identified as the "knee" joint in veterinary anatomy?

The stifle joint is referred to as the "knee" joint in veterinary anatomy. This joint is a complex structure that connects the femur (thigh bone) with the tibia (shin bone) and is similar in function to the human knee joint. In quadrupeds, the stifle plays a significant role in locomotion, allowing for the flexion and extension of the limb during movement.

While the femorotibial joint specifically refers to the connection between the femur and the tibia, the term “stifle” encompasses the overall joint structure, including associated components such as ligaments, synovial fluid, and the joint capsule. The other terms, such as cruciate and patella, refer to specific parts of the joint or associated structures. The cruciate ligaments help stabilize the stifle joint, while the patella (or kneecap) acts as a protective structure and aids in the leverage of the quadriceps muscle, but neither term represents the entirety of the knee joint itself as the term "stifle" does.