Patella

Definition

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

Related terms

Femur: The femur is the thigh bone and is the longest and strongest bone in the human body, connecting to the hip and knee joints.

Tibia: The tibia, or shinbone, is a large bone in the lower leg that bears most of the body's weight and forms part of the knee joint below the patella.

Quadriceps femoris: This is a large muscle group on the front of the thigh that includes four muscles; it plays a crucial role in extending (straightening) the knee and is attached to the patella