Rotule

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 shape, it has a broad superior base and a pointed inferior apex; its posterior surface articulates with the patellar surface of the femur, and its roughened anterior surface receives the quadriceps tendon. Direct trauma or forceful contraction of the quadriceps can fracture it, and dislocation typically occurs laterally. Chondromalacia patellae, sometimes called runner's knee, causes anterior knee pain as the cartilage on its undersurface degenerates.

La rotule est un os sésamoïde triangulaire avec une base supérieure large et un apex inférieur pointu. Sa surface postérieure s'articule avec la surface rotulienne du fémur. La surface antérieure est rugueuse, pour l'insertion du tendon quadricipital.

On this page
Type Bone
Système corporel Squelettique
Région corporelle Cuisse
Nom latin Os patellae
FMA ID 24485

Fonction

Le plus grand os sésamoïde du corps, incorporé dans le tendon quadricipital. Elle augmente l'avantage mécanique du muscle quadriceps en augmentant le bras de levier pour l'extension du genou.

Signification clinique

Les fractures de la rotule résultent d'un traumatisme direct ou d'une contraction forcée du quadriceps. La luxation rotulienne se produit généralement latéralement. La chondromalacie rotulienne (genou du coureur) provoque une douleur antérieure du genou due à la dégénérescence du cartilage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the function of the patella?

The patella (kneecap) is a sesamoid bone embedded in the quadriceps tendon that improves the mechanical efficiency of knee extension. By increasing the moment arm of the quadriceps force, the patella reduces the muscle force required to extend the knee by approximately 33–50%. It also protects the anterior knee joint from direct trauma.

Where is the patella located?

The patella is located at the anterior aspect of the knee joint, within the quadriceps femoris tendon. Its posterior surface articulates with the femoral trochlea, forming the patellofemoral joint. Superiorly the quadriceps tendon attaches to it, and inferiorly the patellar tendon (ligament) connects it to the tibial tuberosity. It is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body.

What are common patella injuries?

Common patella injuries include patellar fractures (from direct impact or forceful quadriceps contraction), patellar dislocation (usually lateral, common in young females), and patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee), characterized by anterior knee pain during activities like climbing stairs or squatting. Chondromalacia patellae refers to softening and deterioration of the patellar articular cartilage.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:24485 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0002446 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikipedia — Rotule Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

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Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.