Patella vs Pituitary gland
| Property | Patella | Pituitary gland |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Os patellae | Glandula pituitaria |
| Type | Bone | Gland |
| Body System | Skeletal | Endocrine |
| Body Region | Thigh | Brain |
| Function | 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. | The master endocrine gland, producing hormones that regulate growth (GH), reproduction (FSH, LH, prolactin), thyroid function (TSH), adrenal function (ACTH), and water balance (ADH). Coordinates the activity of other endocrine … |
| Clinical Significance | 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. | Pituitary adenomas can cause hormone excess or deficiency. Acromegaly results from excess growth hormone. Cushing's disease results from excess ACTH. Pituitary apoplexy is acute hemorrhage or infarction of the gland. … |
| FMA ID | 24485 | 13889 |
Full structure pages
Patella
Os patellae
The largest sesamoid bone in the body, the patella is embedded within the quadriceps tendon and increases the mechanical advantage of the quadriceps by lengthening its lever arm for extension of the knee. Triangular in …
Pituitary gland
Glandula pituitaria
Often described as the master endocrine gland, the pituitary coordinates the activity of other endocrine glands through the hormones it secretes, governing growth, reproduction, thyroid function, adrenal function, and water balance. This pea-sized gland occupies …