patellaris

Patellaris is a Latin adjective meaning “of the patella” or “patellar,” used in scientific terminology to indicate a relationship to the kneecap. The root patell- comes from patella, the kneecap, and the suffix -aris forms descriptors in Latin.

In anatomy, patellaris appears in compound terms that denote structures associated with the patella. Examples include facies patellaris femoris, the patellar surface of the femur, and expressions such as retinaculum patellare or ligaments described as patellaris or patellare, which refer to stabilizing structures around the patella. These terms help specify location or relation to the kneecap within the knee joint.

In biological nomenclature, patellaris is used as a specific epithet in the scientific names of organisms, typically to indicate a patella-like form or a connection to the patellar region. It is encountered across various plant and animal groups, following the standard rules of Latin grammar in binomial names.

Etymology notes: patellaris is derived from patella (kneecap or small dish) with the adjectival suffix -aris, producing a descriptor of patellar relation.

See also: patella, patellar, patellofemoral, patelloplasty.