patella (kneecap)
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Introduction
- the largest sesamoid bone, in the combined tendon of the extensors of the leg, covering the anterior surface of the knee.
Function
-the patella tends to improve the efficiency of the quadriceps in extending the knee
- with normal movement, the patella slides or tracks within the femoral groove as the knee moves through its range of motion
- the medial & lateral retinacula keep the patella centered within the femoral groove opposing the natural tendency towards lateral displacement generated by pull of the quadriceps
More general terms
More specific terms
Additional terms
- compression test
- crepitus test
- nail-patella syndrome (onychoosteodysplasia)
- patellar ligament
- patellofemoral pain syndrome; chondromalacia patella (PFPS)
- suprapatellar bursa