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Patella: meaning, definitions and examples

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patella

 

[pəˈtɛlə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

The patella is a small flat triangular bone in front of the knee that protects the knee joint and provides leverage for the thigh muscles.

Synonyms

knee bone, kneecap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
patella

Patella is a medical term often used by healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists.

  • The doctor examined the patient's patella to check for any dislocation.
  • Patella fractures can be quite painful and require immediate medical attention.
kneecap

Kneecap is a term that is commonly understood by most people and used in everyday language.

  • During the fall, she injured her kneecap, and it was swollen for days.
  • Wearing proper knee pads can protect your kneecaps while skating.
knee bone

This phrase is used more casually or informally when referring to the patella in everyday conversation.

  • I hit my knee bone really hard on the table, and now it hurts to walk.
  • She bruised her knee bone while playing soccer.

Examples of usage

  • The patella helps to protect the knee joint from injuries.
  • Strong thigh muscles are essential for the proper functioning of the patella.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'patella' comes from Latin, meaning 'small dish,' which describes its shape.
  • The word has been used in medical texts since the 17th century, highlighting its importance in anatomy.

Anatomy

  • The patella is also known as the kneecap, forming a shield for the joint beneath it.
  • It plays a crucial role in leg movement, acting as a lever for the thigh muscles to lift the leg more effectively.

Cultural References

  • The patella is commonly featured in discussions about sports medicine, especially in knee injuries among athletes.
  • In art, some depictions of the human body highlight the patella to emphasize balance and movement.

Health

  • Common injuries related to the patella include dislocations and fractures, often resulting from falls or sports.
  • Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee can help protect the patella and improve overall joint function.

Evolutionary Biology

  • Some researchers suggest the patella is an evolutionary adaptation that allows for a more efficient bipedal gait.
  • Different mammals have varying patella shapes that reflect their specific locomotion styles, such as running or climbing.

Translations

Translations of the word "patella" in other languages:

🇵🇹 patela

🇮🇳 घुटने की हड्डी

🇩🇪 Kniescheibe

🇮🇩 tempurung lutut

🇺🇦 надколінок

🇵🇱 rzepka

🇯🇵 膝蓋骨 (しつがいこつ)

🇫🇷 rotule

🇪🇸 rótula

🇹🇷 diz kapağı

🇰🇷 무릎뼈

🇸🇦 الرضفة

🇨🇿 čéška

🇸🇰 jabĺčko

🇨🇳 髌骨 (bìngǔ)

🇸🇮 pogačica

🇮🇸 hnéskel

🇰🇿 тізе қақпақ

🇬🇪 მუხლის კოლხი

🇦🇿 diz qapağı

🇲🇽 rótula

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,409, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.