Your kneecap is located at the front of the knee.
According to medical terminology, the kneecap is also known as the patella. It's a thick, triangular bone that sits over the other bones in your knee joint. Its primary function is to protect the knee joint and improve the leverage of the quadriceps muscle, which straightens the leg. Think of it as a shield and a pulley system all in one!
More about the Patella
- Protection: The patella protects the delicate structures within the knee joint from impact and injury.
- Leverage: It enhances the ability of the quadriceps muscle to extend the knee, allowing for activities such as walking, running, and jumping.
- Movement: The patella glides smoothly within a groove located on the femur (thigh bone) as the knee bends and straightens.
