Kneecap

The medical name for the kneecap is the patella.

Whichever name -- kneecap or patella -- you prefer, it is the small bone that is in the front of the knee.</P> The patella is a sesamoid bone, a little bone that is embedded in a joint capsule or tendon, in this case the tendon of insertion of the quadriceps muscle (the 'quad').

The patella in an adult is about 2 inches (5 cm) across.</P> If the patella is shattered beyond repair, it can be removed.

The operation is termed a patellectomy.</P> Patella is a Latin word that refers to a 'small pan, dish or plate.' As a saucer, the patella is quite paltry and cannot have held much.