Patella (Kneecap)

bones · skeleton · movement

A sliding shield. Your patella is a small, flat, triangular bone that sits right in front of your knee joint. It protects all the delicate parts inside your knee, kind of like a built-in shield.

Helps you move. When you bend and straighten your leg, your kneecap slides up and down in a groove on your thighbone. This movement makes your leg stronger and helps you jump, run, and kick.

Found in many animals. Lots of animals have kneecaps, including cats, dogs, birds, and mice. But some creatures like whales and snakes don't have them because their bodies work differently.

Unique shape. Your kneecap is one of the few bones in your body that is flat and triangular instead of long or round. This special shape helps it fit perfectly into the knee joint and do its job well.

Protection powerhouse. Without your patella, your knee would be much more likely to get injured. It covers the spot where your thighbone, shinbone, and other knee bones meet.