PATELLA ANATOMY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL STRUCTURE
Patella - General Structure, Preview from the app. Download 3D OSTEOLOGY for full 3D control—multiple views, x-ray mode, and unlimited zoom.
The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in your body, characterized by its flat and triangular shape with an anterior and posterior surface, three borders, and an apex. Located in front of your knee joint, it is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris.
Location
Where is the patella located?
- Located in front of your knee joint
- Embedded in the tendon of your quadriceps femoris muscle
Shape and Characteristics
What is the shape of the patella?
- Flat and triangular shape
- Two surfaces: anterior and posterior
- Three borders and an apex
Functions
What are the functions of the patella?
- Protection
- Protects your knee joint from external trauma
- Mechanical advantage
- Enhances the leverage of your quadriceps muscle during knee extension
- Increases the efficiency of your leg straightening
FEATURES
Base (Superior Border)
What is the base of the patella?
- Structure
- Thick and sloping downwards and forwards
- Forms the upper border of the patella
- Function
- Attachment site for parts of your Quadriceps femoris muscle
- Receives your quadriceps tendon
Apex
What is the apex of the patella?
- Structure
- Pointed, lower part of the bone
- Directed inferiorly (downward)
- Function
- Attachment site for the ligamentum patellae (patellar ligament)
- Connects the patella to your tibial tuberosity
Articular Surface
What is the articular surface of the patella?
- Location
- Posterior side of the patella
- Structure
- Smooth, oval-shaped area
- Divided into two facets by a vertical ridge
- Lateral facet is larger than medial facet
- Function
- Articulates with the patellar surface of the femur
- Allows smooth gliding during your knee movements
- Covered with hyaline cartilage for friction reduction
Anterior Surface
What is the anterior surface of the patella?
- Structure
- Convex and rough texture
- Perforated by small holes for nutrient vessels
- Covered by expansions from your quadriceps tendon
- Function
- Provides protection to your knee joint
- Attachment point for your quadriceps tendon
- Subcutaneous and palpable through your skin
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.