Which statement about the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is false?

The statement that the ACL provides stability during lateral movement is indeed inaccurate. The anterior cruciate ligament primarily serves to prevent excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur and helps control rotational movements of the knee. While it contributes to overall knee stability, it is particularly crucial during activities that involve straight-ahead movement or changing direction rather than lateral movements. During lateral shifts, the primary stabilizers for the knee are the collateral ligaments, so the assertion that the ACL offers major stability in these scenarios is misleading.

In contrast, the other statements accurately reflect common knowledge about the ACL. Injuries to the ACL frequently occur when the foot is planted while twisting the knee, particularly during sports. The ligament's function includes resisting forces that attempt to push the tibia backward, and tearing the ACL is widely recognized as a prevalent sports-related injury.