patella

patella definition - medical

pa·tel·la (pə-tĕlˈə)

noun pl. pa·tel·lae (-tĕlˈē)
  1. A flat triangular bone located in the combined tendon of the extensors of the leg and covering the front surface of the knee joint. Also called kneecap.
  2. A pan-shaped anatomical formation.

Related Forms:

  • pa·telˈlar, pa·telˈlate (-tĕlˈĭt, -ātˌ) adjective

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patella

anterior (left) and lateral views of knee joint:

A. patella, B. femur, C. tibia, D. fibula

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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