Final answer:
The anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments stabilize the knee from the front and back respectively, with the ACL preventing hyperextension and the PCL providing support when the knee is flexed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two ligaments of the knee joint that help stabilize the knee from the anterior and posterior perspective are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). The ACL is an intracapsular ligament that attaches to the front of the tibia and spans diagonally upwards to the inner aspect of the femoral condyle. It becomes tight when the knee is extended, providing stability against hyperextension. The PCL, also an intracapsular ligament, connects to the posterior portion of the tibia and runs upward to attach to the femoral condyle, preventing the femur from sliding anteriorly off the tibia when the knee is flexed and bearing weight.