Brief anatomy of the knee The knee is a vulnerable joint that bears a great deal of stress from everyday activities, such as lifting and kneeling, and from high-impact activities, such as jogging and aerobics. The knee is formed by the following parts: 1.Tibia. This is the shin bone or larger bone of the lower leg. 2.Femur. This is the thighbone or upper leg bone. 3.Patella. This is the kneecap.