kneecap

pa·tel·la

, gen. and pl.

pa·tel·lae

(pa-tel'ă, -ē), [TA]

The large sesamoid bone, in the combined tendon of the quadriceps femoris, covering the anterior surface of the knee.

Synonym(s): kneecap

[L. a small plate, the kneecap, dim. of patina, a shallow disk, fr. pateo, to lie open]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

kneecap

(nē′kăp′)

n.

1. See patella.

2. See kneepad.

tr.v. knee·capped, knee·capping, knee·caps

To cripple by shooting in the legs, especially in the knees.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2007, 2004 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

pa·tel·la

, pl. patellae (pă-tel'ă, -ē) [TA]

The large sesamoid bone that covers the anterior surface of the knee. It is formed in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle and is attached to the tibia by the patellar tendon.
Synonym(s): kneecap.

[L. a small plate, the kneecap, dim. of patina, a shallow disk, fr. pateo, to lie open]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012