Patella

Question 1

Bones for The patella

Answer 1

The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is a small, flat, triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. It is classified as a sesamoid bone, meaning it is embedded within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The primary function of the patella is to protect the knee joint and improve the leverage of the quadriceps muscle during knee extension.

Question 2

Muscles of patella

Answer 2

The primary muscle associated with the patella is the quadriceps femoris, which is composed of four muscle heads:
- Rectus Femoris: This muscle crosses both the hip and knee joints, aiding in hip flexion and knee extension.
- Vastus Lateralis: Located on the outer side of the thigh, it helps extend the knee.
- Vastus Medialis: Situated on the inner thigh, it also assists in knee extension.
- Vastus Intermedius: Positioned beneath the rectus femoris, it contributes to knee extension.

These muscles converge into the quadriceps tendon, which attaches to the superior aspect of the patella. The patellar tendon (or ligament), which extends from the inferior aspect of the patella to the tibial tuberosity, plays a crucial role in transmitting the force generated by the quadriceps muscle to the tibia, facilitating knee extension

Question 3

Joints for The patella

Answer 3

The patella is involved in the following joints:
- Patellofemoral Joint: This is the joint formed between the patella and the femur. The patella glides within the femoral groove (trochlea) during knee movement, allowing for smooth articulation during flexion and extension.
- Knee Joint (Tibiofemoral Joint): The patella is an integral part of the knee joint, which is a hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension, as well as some rotation when the knee is flexed

Question 4

Ligaments for patella

Answer 4

Several ligaments stabilize the patella and knee joint:
- Ligamentum Patellae: This is the continuation of the quadriceps tendon below the patella, anchoring it to the tibia.
- Collateral Ligaments: These include the medial (tibial) and lateral (fibular) collateral ligaments, which provide stability to the knee joint.
- Cruciate Ligaments: The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are crucial for maintaining knee stability and controlling movement.
- Retinacula: The medial and lateral retinacula are fibrous bands that help stabilize the patella and guide its movement

Question 5

Blood Vessels for patella

Answer 5

The blood supply to the patella and surrounding structures primarily comes from:
- Femoral Artery: The main artery supplying the thigh, which gives rise to branches that supply the knee.
- Popliteal Artery: This artery, located behind the knee, branches into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries, which supply blood to the lower leg and foot.
- Genicular Arteries: These are branches of the popliteal artery that form an anastomosis around the knee joint, providing vascular supply to the patella and surrounding tissues.

Question 6

Nerves for patella

Answer 6

The innervation of the patella and associated structures is primarily provided by:
- Femoral Nerve: This nerve supplies the quadriceps muscle and provides sensory innervation to the skin over the anterior thigh and medial aspect of the leg.
- Saphenous Nerve: A branch of the femoral nerve, it supplies sensation to the skin over the medial aspect of the leg and foot.
- Common Peroneal Nerve: This nerve supplies the muscles of the lateral compartment of the leg and contributes to sensation in the lower leg and foot.