The kneecap, also known as the patella, is a small, flat bone located at the front of the knee joint. It serves as a protective shield for the knee and plays a crucial role in the movement of the leg. The kneecap helps to improve the leverage of the thigh muscles, allowing for more efficient movement when walking, running, or jumping.
The kneecap is connected to the thigh bone, or femur, and the shin bone, or tibia, by tendons and ligaments. It is embedded within the quadriceps tendon, which connects the quadriceps muscle to the tibia. This unique positioning allows the kneecap to glide smoothly over the knee joint during movement.
