Patella

The patella is the knee bone.

Location of the patella

The patella lies superficially on the distal end of the femur at the knee joint.

Structure of the patella

The patella is a flat, triangular bone, the apex of which points upwards. Its posterior surface is directly in contact with the femur and is covered by cartilage. It is bound to the femur by the quadriceps tendon and to the tibia by the patellar tendon.

Function of the patella

The function of the patella is to contribute to flexion/extension movements of the knee. It also strengthens the quadriceps muscle (thigh muscle) by acting like a pulley.