Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
patella
noun
puh-TEL-uh
Definition
A small, flat bone located in front of the knee joint that protects it and aids movement.
Examples
- The patella plays an important role in knee stability.
- Injuries to the patella can lead to difficulty in walking.
- Doctors use X-rays to examine the patella during a knee assessment.
Meaning
The patella is commonly known as the kneecap. It is a triangular-shaped bone that sits in a groove at the end of the femur and helps improve the leverage of the thigh muscles.
Synonyms
- kneecap
- bursa
