Anatomy
patella Audio
pa·tel·la [ puh-tel-uh ]
Subclass of:
Sesamoid Bones; Leg Bones
Etymology:
Latin patella = a little plate; clearly related to the old name knee-pan
Definitions related to patella:
  • A small bone in front of the femorotibial joint that articulates with the femur.
    CDISC Terminology
    Clinical Data Interchange Standards Consortium (CDISC), 2021
  • A small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that articulates with the femur and protects the knee joint.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • The flat, triangular bone situated at the anterior part of the KNEE.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • The thick bone that protects the knee joint; also known as the kneecap.
    Harvard Dictionary of Health Terms
    Harvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.