3D CONTENT
3D OSTEOLOGY
3D LOWER LIMB

PATELLA ANATOMY

Author: Dr. Bogdan Leahu
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Patella X-ray 360-degree interactive viewer showing internal bone structure, cortical bone density, and trabecular pattern
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL STRUCTURE

Patella anatomy 360-degree interactive viewer showing the largest sesamoid bone with flat triangular shape, base, apex, and articular surface
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The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body, characterized by its flat and triangular shape with an anterior and posterior surface, three borders, and an apex. Located in front of the knee joint, it is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris.

Location

  • Located in front of the knee joint
  • Embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle

Shape and Characteristics

  • Flat and triangular shape
  • Two surfaces: anterior and posterior
  • Three borders and an apex

Functions

  • Protection
    • Protects the knee joint from external trauma
  • Mechanical advantage
    • Enhances the leverage of the quadriceps muscle during knee extension
    • Increases the efficiency of leg straightening

FEATURES

Base (Superior Border)

  • Structure
    • Thick and sloping downwards and forwards
    • Forms the upper border of the patella
  • Function
    • Attachment site for parts of the Quadriceps femoris muscle
    • Receives the quadriceps tendon

Apex

  • Structure
    • Pointed, lower part of the bone
    • Directed inferiorly (downward)
  • Function
    • Attachment site for the ligamentum patellae (patellar ligament)
    • Connects the patella to the tibial tuberosity

Articular Surface

  • 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 knee movements
    • Covered with hyaline cartilage for friction reduction

Anterior Surface

  • Structure
    • Convex and rough texture
    • Perforated by small holes for nutrient vessels
    • Covered by expansions from the quadriceps tendon
  • Function
    • Provides protection to the knee joint
    • Attachment point for the quadriceps tendon
    • Subcutaneous and palpable through the skin

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Henry G, Warren HL. Osteology. In: Anatomy of the Human Body. 20th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger; 1918. p. 129–97.

QUICK FACTS: PATELLA

Key questions answered about this anatomy topic

Q: What type of bone is the patella classified as?

Answer: Sesamoid bone. The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body. Sesamoid bones are embedded within tendons and develop in response to mechanical stress.

Q: In which structure is the patella embedded?

Answer: Quadriceps femoris tendon. The patella is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle, located in front of the knee joint.

Q: What is the primary mechanical function of the patella during knee extension?

Answer: Enhances leverage of the quadriceps muscle. The patella enhances the mechanical advantage (leverage) of the quadriceps muscle during knee extension, increasing the efficiency of leg straightening.

Q: Which structure attaches to the base (superior border) of the patella?

Answer: Quadriceps femoris muscle. The base of the patella is thick and sloping, serving as the attachment site for parts of the quadriceps femoris muscle through the quadriceps tendon.

Q: What structure attaches to the apex of the patella?

Answer: Ligamentum patellae (patellar ligament). The apex is the pointed, lower part of the patella and serves as the attachment site for the ligamentum patellae, which connects the patella to the tibial tuberosity.

Want to test yourself? Try the interactive quiz above!

⋮⋮ Patella Quiz
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