The acetabular labrum is best described as

• A. A ring of fibrocartilage that helps deepen the socket
• B. A ligament around the femoral head
• C. A cartilage on the femoral head
• D. A tendon of the hip

Answer: (A)

The acetabular labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage around the rim of the acetabulum that deepens the hip socket, increasing stability by expanding the contact area and helping hold the femoral head in place. It also aids joint sealing with the synovial fluid to maintain intra-articular pressure during movement. It is not a ligament around the head, not cartilage on the femoral head itself, and not a tendon.