Where the patella sits in the skeleton
The patella is the kneecap, a flat triangular bone at the front of the knee. It lies within the tendon of the quadriceps and is the largest sesamoid bone in the body, covering the front of the knee and helping to straighten it. The quadriceps tendon attaches to its broad upper base, and the patellar ligament runs from its lower point to the tibial tuberosity. The joint surface on its back meets the front of the lower end of the femur.
Frequently asked questions
Which part of the skeleton is the patella in?
The patella is one of the bones of the pelvis and leg. The hip bones and sacrum form the pelvis, and the femur, patella, tibia and fibula form the leg.
Which bones make up the pelvis and leg?
The pelvis is formed by the two hip bones, the sacrum and the coccyx. Each leg has the femur, patella, tibia and fibula.
Is there one patella or a pair?
The patella is paired: there is one on the left and one on the right, and this page covers both.
Which bone does the patella meet?
Only the femur. Its back glides along the groove on the front of the lower end of the femur.
Other bones of the pelvis and leg
Joints of the patella
Bone counts
By region
Read more
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Once the 3D model loads you can turn it and select each part.