The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is a small, flat bone located at the front of the knee joint. It plays a crucial role in protecting the knee and enhancing the leverage of the thigh muscles, particularly the quadriceps. This bone helps in the smooth movement of the knee during activities like walking, running, and jumping. The patella is connected to the femur (thigh bone) and the tibia (shin bone) through tendons and ligaments. It is a sesamoid bone, meaning it is embedded within a tendon, which helps to improve the efficiency of the knee joint. Injuries or conditions affecting the patella can lead to pain and difficulty in movement.