Patella

Definition

The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is a small, flat, triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. It protects the knee and connects the muscles in the front of the thigh to the tibia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The patella is a sesamoid bone, which means it is embedded within a tendon.
2. It improves leverage for the quadriceps muscle group during leg extension.
3. The patella articulates with the femur to form part of the knee joint.
4. It plays a crucial role in protecting the underlying structures of the knee during movement.
5. Patellar tracking refers to how well the patella moves within its groove on the femur.

Review Questions

• What type of bone is the patella classified as?
• How does the patella contribute to knee movement?
• What is meant by 'patellar tracking'?

Related terms

Femur: The longest and strongest bone in the body, located in the thigh and articulating with both hip and knee joints.

Tibia: The shinbone or larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg, connecting with both knee and ankle joints.

Quadriceps: A group of four muscles located at the front of the thigh responsible for extending (straightening) the leg.