Femur vs Patella
| Property | Femur | Patella |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Os femoris | Os patellae |
| Type | Bone | Bone |
| Body System | Skeletal | Skeletal |
| Body Region | Thigh | Thigh |
| Function | The longest and strongest bone in the human body. Bears the weight of the body and provides attachment for powerful thigh muscles. Transmits body weight from the hip to the … | The largest sesamoid bone in the body, embedded within the quadriceps tendon. Increases the mechanical advantage of the quadriceps muscle by increasing the lever arm for knee extension. |
| Clinical Significance | Femoral neck fractures are common in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Femoral shaft fractures result from high-energy trauma. The femoral head is susceptible to avascular necrosis. | Patellar fractures result from direct trauma or forceful quadriceps contraction. Patellar dislocation typically occurs laterally. Chondromalacia patellae (runner's knee) causes anterior knee pain from cartilage degeneration. |
| FMA ID | 24474 | 24485 |
Full structure pages
Femur
Os femoris
Longest and strongest bone in the human body, the femur bears the body's weight and anchors the powerful muscles of the thigh, transmitting weight from the hip to the tibia during standing and locomotion. It …