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patella
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Side-by-side anatomical illustration comparing the right leg of a modern human and a gorilla, showing labeled skeletal structures and major muscles including pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, and key thigh muscles.
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patella

bone
Also known as: kneecap
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Side-by-side anatomical illustration comparing the right leg of a modern human and a gorilla, showing labeled skeletal structures and major muscles including pelvis, femur, tibia, fibula, and key thigh muscles.
human and gorilla legs compared Skeletal and muscular structures of a human leg (left) and a gorilla leg (right).

The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is a bone located at the front of the knee joint. It rests upon the ends of the femur (thigh bone) and works with the tibia (shin bone) to form the knee joint, which is the largest joint in the body. The patella's primary function is to prevent the tibia from shifting too far forward when the leg is bent. It is part of the knee's complex system of ligaments and cartilage that allow for movement while providing stability. Injuries to the patella can occur from direct blows to the front of the knee and may require surgery for repair.123

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5 Britannica Sources
  1. knee
  2. knee bone
  3. knee injuries
  4. joint: Top Questions
  5. tibia

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