Patella Bone – Anterior and Posterior Views

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

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Introduction to Patella bone anatomy:

The image descriptionpatella bone (os patella; kneecap) is a triangular shaped bone that covers and protects the distal surface of the anterior femur.

Anterior view of the right knee joint
Anterior view of the right knee joint
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  • It is image descriptionlocated directly anterior to a groove between the femur condyles called the patellar surface.
  • Two facets (or depressions) on the posterior side of the patella articulate with the medial and lateral femur condyles.
Patella
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  • The patella is image descriptionembedded in the quadriceps tendon, which makes it the largest sesamoid (= tendon embedded) bone in the body.
  • It functions to displace the tendon away from the femurotibial joint surface.
  • This increases the lever arm of the tendon and the tension applied to the tibia when the knee extends.

Feeling lost and confused on where to start learning anatomy? Check out this comprehensive anatomy study guide.

quadriceps tendon
quadriceps tendon
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Markings of the Patella Bone:

  1. image descriptionBase (basis patellae) is the broad, convex superior margin of the patella, which serves as an attachment point for the quadriceps tendon.
Base
Base
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  1. image descriptionApex (apex patellae) is the pointed inferior margin of patella. This region serves as an attachment point for the patellar ligament, which is an inferior extension of the quadriceps tendon.
Base
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  1. image descriptionLateral articular facet (facies articularis lateralis) is the larger of two shallow depressions on the posterior surface of the patella, which articulates with the lateral condyle of femur.
Base
Lateral articular facet
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  1. image descriptionMedial articular facet (facies articularis medialis) is the smaller of two shallow depressions on the posterior surface of the patella, which articulates with the medial condyle of femur.
Base
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Test yourself:

Anterior view and Posterior view: image descriptionShow/hide answers

Patella Test Yourself
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Interactive quiz about the patella

Patella Bone Quiz – Anterior and Posterior Markings

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