**Core Concept**
The fibular collateral ligament is a ligament that provides stability to the lateral aspect of the knee joint. It is an important structure in maintaining the integrity of the knee joint and preventing excessive movement.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The fibular collateral ligament is considered to be the continuation of the iliotibial tract (IT tract) or the tensor fasciae latae muscle. This is because the IT tract is a long, fibrous band that runs from the iliac crest down to the lateral aspect of the knee, and it continues as the fibular collateral ligament. This ligament provides lateral stability to the knee and helps to prevent excessive valgus (inward) movement.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** **Incorrect** because the popliteus muscle is not directly related to the fibular collateral ligament. While the popliteus muscle does play a role in knee stability, it is not the continuation of the fibular collateral ligament.

**Option B:** **Incorrect** because the iliotibial tract (IT tract) is the correct answer, not the tensor fasciae latae muscle. While the tensor fasciae latae muscle does contribute to the IT tract, it is not the direct continuation of the fibular collateral ligament.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A common exam question trap is to confuse the fibular collateral ligament with the popliteus muscle. Remember that the fibular collateral ligament is the continuation of the iliotibial tract (IT tract), which provides lateral stability to the knee.

**Correct Answer:** C.