Patella

The kneecap by another name, the patella is the small bone that is in the front of the knee.

The patella is a sesamoid bone, a little bone (sesamoid = like a sesame seed) 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.

If the patella is shattered beyond repair, it can be removed.

The operation is termed a patellectomy.

Patella is a Latin word that referred to a 'small pan, dish or plate.' As a saucer, the patella is quite paltry and cannot have held much.