Patellar tendon

The kneecap or patella is part of a chain of structures that help to straighten the knee.

Quick overview of the kneecap anatomy.

This page demonstrates the bones of the knee - femur, tibia, and patella. The shock-absorbing menisci fill the gap between the rounded ends of the femur bone and the flattened upper surface of the tibia bone. The cruciate ligaments act as a 'stay' to allow movement of the femur and tibia, without the movement being excessive.

Part of a series by Mr (Dr) Charles Willis-Owen on lower limb overuse injuries.