Patella meaning

The patella is the small bone located in front of the knee joint, commonly known as the kneecap.


Patella definitions

Word backwards alletap
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "patella" is a noun.
Syllabic division pa-tel-la
Plural The plural of the word "patella" is "patellae".
Total letters 7
Vogais (2) a,e
Consonants (3) p,t,l

The patella, also known as the kneecap, is a small, triangular bone located in front of the knee joint. It plays a crucial role in the function of the knee, as it protects the knee joint and provides leverage for the muscles that extend the knee.

Patella is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps muscle, which is responsible for straightening the leg. This unique positioning allows the patella to move smoothly along the groove at the end of the thigh bone during movements like walking, running, and jumping.

Structure and Function

The patella is a sesamoid bone, meaning it is embedded within a tendon. It acts as a shield to protect the knee joint and enhances the leverage of the quadriceps muscle. The undersurface of the patella is covered with smooth cartilage, allowing it to glide easily over the thigh bone during movement.

Injury and Conditions

Injuries to the patella can range from minor fractures to dislocations. Conditions such as patellar tendonitis, commonly known as jumper's knee, can cause pain and inflammation in the patella region. Treatment for patellar injuries and conditions may include rest, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.

Prevention and Maintenance

Regular exercise, such as strengthening the muscles around the knee, can help prevent patellar injuries. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding activities that put excessive stress on the knees can also reduce the risk of patellar issues. It's essential to listen to your body and seek medical attention if you experience persistent knee pain or swelling.


Patella Examples

  1. The patella is also known as the kneecap.
  2. He felt a sharp pain in his patella while running.
  3. The doctor explained that the patella helps protect the knee joint.
  4. She underwent surgery to repair her damaged patella.
  5. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the patella.
  6. Athletes often wear knee braces to support the patella during sports.
  7. The patella can be fractured from a traumatic injury.
  8. The patella functions as a fulcrum for the quadriceps muscle.
  9. He demonstrated exercises to improve patella stability.
  10. She wore a compression sleeve to alleviate patella pain.


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  • Updated 08/04/2024 - 06:21:47