Medical Dictionary
patella
noun pa·tel·la \pə-ˈtel-ə\
plural pa·tel·lae \-ˈtel-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\ or pa·tel·las
Medical Definition of PATELLA
: a thick flat triangular movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee, protects the front of the joint, increases the leverage of the quadriceps, and is usually regarded as a sesamoid bone since it is developed in the tendon of the quadriceps and in structure is similar to other sesamoid bones—called also kneecap, kneepan
—pa·tel·lar \-ər\ adjective
Illustration of PATELLA
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up patella? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).