Patella

The patella, commonly called the kneecap, is a small, flat bone located at the front of the knee joint. It serves to protect the knee and improves the leverage of the thigh muscles (quadriceps) during leg movement, helping you straighten your leg. The patella glides smoothly over the femur (thigh bone) as your knee bends and straightens, stabilized by tendons and cartilage. It plays a crucial role in knee stability and joint function, absorbing shocks and reducing wear on the joint during activities like walking, running, and jumping.