It is thin in front and at the side, and contains the patella, ligaments, menisci, and bursae of the knee.

[2] Anteriorly, the reflection of the synovial membrane lies on the femur; located at some distance from the cartilage because of the presence of the suprapatellar bursa.

[3] The suprapatellar bursa is prevented from being pinched during extension by the articularis genus muscle.

[2] It is a thin, but strong, fibrous membrane which is strengthened in almost its entire extent by bands inseparably connected with it.

Its chief strengthening bands are derived from the fascia lata and from the tendons surrounding the joint.