Odds and Ends: Patella

The patellaKneecap; small triangular bone embedded in quadriceps tendon; protects knee joint. is the knee cap. This round-ish bone is connected to your anteriorThe front of the body or toward the front when standing in the anatomical position. thigh muscle (the rectus femorisExtensor / Flexor Front of thigh; straightens the knee and helps lift the leg at the hip.) by the quadriceps tendonConnector Above patella; connects thigh muscles to kneecap.. The patellar tendonConnector Front of knee; links kneecap to shinbone. (that’s a mistake in that figure there!) attaches the patella to the tibial tuberosityRough bump below kneecap on anterior surface for patellar ligament attachment. on the tibiaShinbone; large, weight-bearing medial bone of the lower leg.. As you flex your knee or bend your knee, the patella slides superiorAbove or toward the upper part of the body. over the patellar surfaceSmooth anterior groove where the patella glides during knee movement. on the femurThigh bone; longest and strongest bone in the body; has a large round head and prominent trochanters. When you extend your knee or straighten your leg, the patella slides inferiorBelow or toward the lower part of the body. over the patellar surface.

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