patell

Patell refers to the kneecap, a small, triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. It is also known as the patella. The patell is a sesamoid bone, meaning it is embedded within a tendon, in this case, the quadriceps femoris tendon. Its primary function is to improve the leverage of the quadriceps muscles, thereby increasing the power of knee extension. The patell glides within a groove at the end of the femur called the trochlear groove. This smooth movement is facilitated by the articular cartilage that covers the posterior surface of the patell and the anterior surface of the femur.

Several structures are associated with the patell. The quadriceps femoris muscle group, located in the front of the thigh, attaches to the superior border of the patell. The patellar tendon, a strong ligament, extends from the inferior border of the patell to the tibial tuberosity, the bony prominence on the front of the shinbone. The patell plays a crucial role in the biomechanics of the knee, enabling actions such as walking, running, and jumping.

Disorders affecting the patell can lead to pain and dysfunction. Common conditions include patellofemoral pain syndrome, which causes pain around or behind the kneecap, and patell dislocation, where the kneecap partially or completely moves out of its groove. Fractures of the patell can also occur, usually as a result of direct trauma. The stability and proper alignment of the patell are essential for normal knee function.