patella

pa·tel·la

noun \pə-ˈtel-ə\

plural pa·tel·lae \-ˈtel-(ˌ)ē, -ˌī\ or pa·tel·las

Definition of PATELLA

: a thick flat triangular movable bone that forms the anterior point of the knee, protects the front of the joint, increases the leverage of the quadriceps, and is usually regarded as a sesamoid bone since it is developed in the tendon of the quadriceps and in structure is similar to other sesamoid bones—called also kneecap, kneepan

—pa·tel·lar \-ər\ adjective

Illustration of PATELLA