Patella

Definition

The patella, also known as the knee cap or kneepan, is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body. The primary functional role of the patella is knee extension. The patella has convergently evolved in placental mammals and birds; marsupials have only rudimentary, non-ossified patellae. In more primitive tetrapods, including living amphibians and reptiles, the muscle tendons from the upper leg are attached directly to the tibia, and the patella is not present. See also: fabella.

The Patella is a part of the Musculoskeletal.

Also identified as

• MESH D010329 per UBERON
• NCIT C33282 per UBERON
• SCTID 182083008 per UBERON
• UMLS C0030647 per UBERON

Procedures