Patella anatomy quiz

1. To which type of bone does the patella belong according to the classification?

• Short cancellous bone

  The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

• Sesamoid bone

  The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

• Flat bone

  The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

• Long tubular bone

  The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and develops within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

2. What shape does the patella normally comprise?

• Cylindrical

  The patella comprises a triangular shape with a broad base (basis patellae) directed superiorly and a rounded apex (apex patellae) directed inferiorly.

• Triangular with a rounded apex

  The patella comprises a triangular shape with a broad base (basis patellae) directed superiorly and a rounded apex (apex patellae) directed inferiorly.

• Oval

  The patella comprises a triangular shape with a broad base (basis patellae) directed superiorly and a rounded apex (apex patellae) directed inferiorly.

• Rectangular

  The patella comprises a triangular shape with a broad base (basis patellae) directed superiorly and a rounded apex (apex patellae) directed inferiorly.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The patella comprises a triangular shape with a broad base (basis patellae) directed superiorly and a rounded apex (apex patellae) directed inferiorly.

3. What is the inferior pole of the patella called?

• Basis patellae

  The inferior pole of the patella is designated as the apex patellae (apex of the patella). The base (basis patellae) is located superiorly.

• Apex patellae

  The inferior pole of the patella is designated as the apex patellae (apex of the patella). The base (basis patellae) is located superiorly.

• Facies anterior

  The inferior pole of the patella is designated as the apex patellae (apex of the patella). The base (basis patellae) is located superiorly.

• Margo lateralis

  The inferior pole of the patella is designated as the apex patellae (apex of the patella). The base (basis patellae) is located superiorly.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The inferior pole of the patella is designated as the apex patellae (apex of the patella). The base (basis patellae) is located superiorly.

4. Which surface of the patella articulates with the femur?

• Facies anterior

  The posterior surface of the patella—the facies articularis—is covered with hyaline cartilage and articulates with the facies patellaris of the femur.

• Basis patellae

  The posterior surface of the patella—the facies articularis—is covered with hyaline cartilage and articulates with the facies patellaris of the femur.

• Facies articularis

  The posterior surface of the patella—the facies articularis—is covered with hyaline cartilage and articulates with the facies patellaris of the femur.

• Apex patellae

  The posterior surface of the patella—the facies articularis—is covered with hyaline cartilage and articulates with the facies patellaris of the femur.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The posterior surface of the patella—the facies articularis—is covered with hyaline cartilage and articulates with the facies patellaris of the femur.

5. A vertical ridge on the posterior articular surface of the patella divides it into two facets. Which of them is larger?

• Medial surface

  The lateral part of the posterior articular surface of the patella is normally larger than the medial part, corresponding to the larger surface area of the lateral femoral condyle.

• Lateral surface

  The lateral part of the posterior articular surface of the patella is normally larger than the medial part, corresponding to the larger surface area of the lateral femoral condyle.

• Both facets are equal in size

  The lateral part of the posterior articular surface of the patella is normally larger than the medial part, corresponding to the larger surface area of the lateral femoral condyle.

• Superior surface

  The lateral part of the posterior articular surface of the patella is normally larger than the medial part, corresponding to the larger surface area of the lateral femoral condyle.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The lateral part of the posterior articular surface of the patella is normally larger than the medial part, corresponding to the larger surface area of the lateral femoral condyle.

6. Within the tendon of which muscle is the patella embedded?

• Biceps femoris muscle

  The patella is a sesamoid bone located within the tendon of the m. quadriceps femoris. All four heads of this muscle contribute to maintaining its position.

• Quadriceps femoris muscle

  The patella is a sesamoid bone located within the tendon of the m. quadriceps femoris. All four heads of this muscle contribute to maintaining its position.

• Sartorius muscle

  The patella is a sesamoid bone located within the tendon of the m. quadriceps femoris. All four heads of this muscle contribute to maintaining its position.

• Semimembranosus muscle

  The patella is a sesamoid bone located within the tendon of the m. quadriceps femoris. All four heads of this muscle contribute to maintaining its position.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The patella is a sesamoid bone located within the tendon of the m. quadriceps femoris. All four heads of this muscle contribute to maintaining its position.

7. Which ligament runs from the apex of the patella to the tibial tuberosity?

• Lig. collaterale tibiale

  Lig. patellae (patellar ligament) is a continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon inferior to the patella and attaches to the tuberositas tibiae.

• Lig. patellae

  Lig. patellae (patellar ligament) is a continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon inferior to the patella and attaches to the tuberositas tibiae.

• Retinaculum patellae mediale

  Lig. patellae (patellar ligament) is a continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon inferior to the patella and attaches to the tuberositas tibiae.

• Lig. popliteum obliquum

  Lig. patellae (patellar ligament) is a continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon inferior to the patella and attaches to the tuberositas tibiae.

• I find it difficult to answer

  Lig. patellae (patellar ligament) is a continuation of the quadriceps femoris tendon inferior to the patella and attaches to the tuberositas tibiae.

8. The medial patellar retinaculum (retinaculum patellae mediale) is formed by an expansion of the tendon of which muscle?

• Vastus medialis muscle

  The retinaculum patellae mediale is formed predominantly by the aponeurotic expansion of the m. vastus medialis and prevents lateral displacement of the patella.

• Gracilis muscle

  The retinaculum patellae mediale is formed predominantly by the aponeurotic expansion of the m. vastus medialis and prevents lateral displacement of the patella.

• Semimembranosus muscle

  The retinaculum patellae mediale is formed predominantly by the aponeurotic expansion of the m. vastus medialis and prevents lateral displacement of the patella.

• Sartorius muscle

  The retinaculum patellae mediale is formed predominantly by the aponeurotic expansion of the m. vastus medialis and prevents lateral displacement of the patella.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The retinaculum patellae mediale is formed predominantly by the aponeurotic expansion of the m. vastus medialis and prevents lateral displacement of the patella.

9. Which nerve provides innervation to the muscles that maintain the patella in the correct position (the quadriceps femoris muscle)?

• Obturator nerve

  The m. quadriceps femoris, within whose tendon the patella is embedded, is innervated by the femoral nerve (n. femoralis, L2–L4).

• Femoral nerve

  The m. quadriceps femoris, within whose tendon the patella is embedded, is innervated by the femoral nerve (n. femoralis, L2–L4).

• Sciatic nerve

  The m. quadriceps femoris, within whose tendon the patella is embedded, is innervated by the femoral nerve (n. femoralis, L2–L4).

• Common fibular nerve

  The m. quadriceps femoris, within whose tendon the patella is embedded, is innervated by the femoral nerve (n. femoralis, L2–L4).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The m. quadriceps femoris, within whose tendon the patella is embedded, is innervated by the femoral nerve (n. femoralis, L2–L4).

10. The patella participates in the formation of which joint?

• Hip joint

  The patella is part of the knee joint (articulatio genus), forming the patellofemoral articulation with the femur.

• Knee joint

  The patella is part of the knee joint (articulatio genus), forming the patellofemoral articulation with the femur.

• Ankle joint

  The patella is part of the knee joint (articulatio genus), forming the patellofemoral articulation with the femur.

• Proximal tibiofibular joint

  The patella is part of the knee joint (articulatio genus), forming the patellofemoral articulation with the femur.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The patella is part of the knee joint (articulatio genus), forming the patellofemoral articulation with the femur.

11. With which surface of the femur does the patella articulate?

• Facies poplitea

  The articular surface of the patella glides along the facies patellaris femoris—a grooved surface on the anterior part of the distal epiphysis of the femur.

• Facies patellaris femoris

  The articular surface of the patella glides along the facies patellaris femoris—a grooved surface on the anterior part of the distal epiphysis of the femur.

• Epicondylus medialis

  The articular surface of the patella glides along the facies patellaris femoris—a grooved surface on the anterior part of the distal epiphysis of the femur.

• Condylus lateralis femoris

  The articular surface of the patella glides along the facies patellaris femoris—a grooved surface on the anterior part of the distal epiphysis of the femur.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The articular surface of the patella glides along the facies patellaris femoris—a grooved surface on the anterior part of the distal epiphysis of the femur.

12. Which synovial bursa is located immediately superior to the patella?

• Bursa infrapatellaris profunda

  The bursa suprapatellaris is located superior to the patella between the quadriceps femoris tendon and the femur; it usually communicates with the cavity of the knee joint.

• Bursa suprapatellaris

  The bursa suprapatellaris is located superior to the patella between the quadriceps femoris tendon and the femur; it usually communicates with the cavity of the knee joint.

• Bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris

  The bursa suprapatellaris is located superior to the patella between the quadriceps femoris tendon and the femur; it usually communicates with the cavity of the knee joint.

• Bursa anserina

  The bursa suprapatellaris is located superior to the patella between the quadriceps femoris tendon and the femur; it usually communicates with the cavity of the knee joint.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The bursa suprapatellaris is located superior to the patella between the quadriceps femoris tendon and the femur; it usually communicates with the cavity of the knee joint.

13. The blood supply to the patella is provided predominantly by an arterial network formed by branches of which artery?

• The anterior tibial artery

  The patella receives its blood supply from the rete articulare genus—the arterial network of the knee joint—formed primarily by branches of the popliteal artery (a. poplitea): aa. genus superior medialis, superior lateralis, inferior medialis, and inferior lateralis.

• The popliteal artery

  The patella receives its blood supply from the rete articulare genus—the arterial network of the knee joint—formed primarily by branches of the popliteal artery (a. poplitea): aa. genus superior medialis, superior lateralis, inferior medialis, and inferior lateralis.

• The posterior tibial artery

  The patella receives its blood supply from the rete articulare genus—the arterial network of the knee joint—formed primarily by branches of the popliteal artery (a. poplitea): aa. genus superior medialis, superior lateralis, inferior medialis, and inferior lateralis.

• The fibular artery

  The patella receives its blood supply from the rete articulare genus—the arterial network of the knee joint—formed primarily by branches of the popliteal artery (a. poplitea): aa. genus superior medialis, superior lateralis, inferior medialis, and inferior lateralis.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The patella receives its blood supply from the rete articulare genus—the arterial network of the knee joint—formed primarily by branches of the popliteal artery (a. poplitea): aa. genus superior medialis, superior lateralis, inferior medialis, and inferior lateralis.

14. Through which surface of the patella do the nutrient vessels (vasa nutricia) predominantly enter?

• Through the anterior (rough) surface

  The nutrient vessels enter the patella primarily through its rough anterior surface (facies anterior), in the middle and inferior thirds of the bone.

• Through the apex (apex patellae)

  The nutrient vessels enter the patella primarily through its rough anterior surface (facies anterior), in the middle and inferior thirds of the bone.

• Through the posterior hyaline cartilage

  The nutrient vessels enter the patella primarily through its rough anterior surface (facies anterior), in the middle and inferior thirds of the bone.

• Through the base (basis patellae)

  The nutrient vessels enter the patella primarily through its rough anterior surface (facies anterior), in the middle and inferior thirds of the bone.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The nutrient vessels enter the patella primarily through its rough anterior surface (facies anterior), in the middle and inferior thirds of the bone.

15. What biomechanical function does the patella perform in the mechanism of leg extension?

• Increases the lever arm of the quadriceps femoris muscle acting on the knee joint

  The patella displaces the quadriceps femoris tendon anteriorly from the axis of rotation of the knee joint, thereby increasing the lever arm (moment) and improving the efficiency of leg extension by approximately 30–50%.

• Decreases the torque of the quadriceps femoris muscle

  The patella displaces the quadriceps femoris tendon anteriorly from the axis of rotation of the knee joint, thereby increasing the lever arm (moment) and improving the efficiency of leg extension by approximately 30–50%.

• Transmits force from the biceps femoris muscle to the leg

  The patella displaces the quadriceps femoris tendon anteriorly from the axis of rotation of the knee joint, thereby increasing the lever arm (moment) and improving the efficiency of leg extension by approximately 30–50%.

• Stabilizes the head of the fibula

  The patella displaces the quadriceps femoris tendon anteriorly from the axis of rotation of the knee joint, thereby increasing the lever arm (moment) and improving the efficiency of leg extension by approximately 30–50%.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The patella displaces the quadriceps femoris tendon anteriorly from the axis of rotation of the knee joint, thereby increasing the lever arm (moment) and improving the efficiency of leg extension by approximately 30–50%.

16. What is the fibrous continuation of the retinaculum patellae laterale that attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia called?

• Tractus iliotibialis

  The retinaculum patellae laterale—the lateral patellar retinaculum—runs from the lateral border of the patella to the lateral condyle of the tibia and to the tractus iliotibialis, maintaining the position of the patella.

• Retinaculum patellae laterale

  The retinaculum patellae laterale—the lateral patellar retinaculum—runs from the lateral border of the patella to the lateral condyle of the tibia and to the tractus iliotibialis, maintaining the position of the patella.

• Lig. collaterale fibulare

  The retinaculum patellae laterale—the lateral patellar retinaculum—runs from the lateral border of the patella to the lateral condyle of the tibia and to the tractus iliotibialis, maintaining the position of the patella.

• Lig. transversum genus

  The retinaculum patellae laterale—the lateral patellar retinaculum—runs from the lateral border of the patella to the lateral condyle of the tibia and to the tractus iliotibialis, maintaining the position of the patella.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The retinaculum patellae laterale—the lateral patellar retinaculum—runs from the lateral border of the patella to the lateral condyle of the tibia and to the tractus iliotibialis, maintaining the position of the patella.

17. In which direction does the patella move during full extension of the knee joint?

• Moves inferiorly and medially

  During full extension of the knee joint, the patella moves superiorly (proximally) together with the quadriceps femoris tendon and slightly laterally, entering the lateral part of the facies patellaris femoris.

• Moves superiorly and slightly laterally

  During full extension of the knee joint, the patella moves superiorly (proximally) together with the quadriceps femoris tendon and slightly laterally, entering the lateral part of the facies patellaris femoris.

• Remains stationary

  During full extension of the knee joint, the patella moves superiorly (proximally) together with the quadriceps femoris tendon and slightly laterally, entering the lateral part of the facies patellaris femoris.

• Moves directly inferiorly

  During full extension of the knee joint, the patella moves superiorly (proximally) together with the quadriceps femoris tendon and slightly laterally, entering the lateral part of the facies patellaris femoris.

• I find it difficult to answer

  During full extension of the knee joint, the patella moves superiorly (proximally) together with the quadriceps femoris tendon and slightly laterally, entering the lateral part of the facies patellaris femoris.

18. Which synovial bursa is located immediately INFERIOR to the patella?

• Bursa infrapatellaris profunda

  The bursa infrapatellaris profunda (deep infrapatellar bursa) lies deeply, between the posterior surface of the patellar ligament (lig. patellae) and the anterior surface of the tibia (in the region of the tuberosity). Unlike the superficial infrapatellar bursa (bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris—option C), which lies beneath the skin over the tuberosity, the deep bursa does not communicate with the joint cavity (unlike the suprapatellar bursa).

• Bursa suprapatellaris

  The bursa infrapatellaris profunda (deep infrapatellar bursa) lies deeply, between the posterior surface of the patellar ligament (lig. patellae) and the anterior surface of the tibia (in the region of the tuberosity). Unlike the superficial infrapatellar bursa (bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris—option C), which lies beneath the skin over the tuberosity, the deep bursa does not communicate with the joint cavity (unlike the suprapatellar bursa).

• Bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris

  The bursa infrapatellaris profunda (deep infrapatellar bursa) lies deeply, between the posterior surface of the patellar ligament (lig. patellae) and the anterior surface of the tibia (in the region of the tuberosity). Unlike the superficial infrapatellar bursa (bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris—option C), which lies beneath the skin over the tuberosity, the deep bursa does not communicate with the joint cavity (unlike the suprapatellar bursa).

• Bursa anserina

  The bursa infrapatellaris profunda (deep infrapatellar bursa) lies deeply, between the posterior surface of the patellar ligament (lig. patellae) and the anterior surface of the tibia (in the region of the tuberosity). Unlike the superficial infrapatellar bursa (bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris—option C), which lies beneath the skin over the tuberosity, the deep bursa does not communicate with the joint cavity (unlike the suprapatellar bursa).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The bursa infrapatellaris profunda (deep infrapatellar bursa) lies deeply, between the posterior surface of the patellar ligament (lig. patellae) and the anterior surface of the tibia (in the region of the tuberosity). Unlike the superficial infrapatellar bursa (bursa subcutanea infrapatellaris—option C), which lies beneath the skin over the tuberosity, the deep bursa does not communicate with the joint cavity (unlike the suprapatellar bursa).

19. Of which tissue does the articular surface of the patella (facies articularis) consist?

• Fibrocartilage

  The articular surface of the patella is covered with hyaline cartilage, which is the thickest articular cartilage in the human body (up to 6–7 mm in the central part).

• Hyaline cartilage

  The articular surface of the patella is covered with hyaline cartilage, which is the thickest articular cartilage in the human body (up to 6–7 mm in the central part).

• Elastic cartilage

  The articular surface of the patella is covered with hyaline cartilage, which is the thickest articular cartilage in the human body (up to 6–7 mm in the central part).

• Compact bone tissue

  The articular surface of the patella is covered with hyaline cartilage, which is the thickest articular cartilage in the human body (up to 6–7 mm in the central part).

• I find it difficult to answer

  The articular surface of the patella is covered with hyaline cartilage, which is the thickest articular cartilage in the human body (up to 6–7 mm in the central part).

20. Which element of the knee joint passes along the anterior surface and surrounds the patella on both sides?

• Anterior cruciate ligament

  The fibrous capsule of the knee joint thickens on the anterior surface, forming the medial and lateral patellar retinacula (retinacula patellae mediale et laterale), which surround the patella on both sides and blend with the patellar ligament.

• Transverse ligament of knee

  The fibrous capsule of the knee joint thickens on the anterior surface, forming the medial and lateral patellar retinacula (retinacula patellae mediale et laterale), which surround the patella on both sides and blend with the patellar ligament.

• Quadrangular fibrous capsule with retinacula patellae

  The fibrous capsule of the knee joint thickens on the anterior surface, forming the medial and lateral patellar retinacula (retinacula patellae mediale et laterale), which surround the patella on both sides and blend with the patellar ligament.

• Arcuate popliteal ligament

  The fibrous capsule of the knee joint thickens on the anterior surface, forming the medial and lateral patellar retinacula (retinacula patellae mediale et laterale), which surround the patella on both sides and blend with the patellar ligament.

• I find it difficult to answer

  The fibrous capsule of the knee joint thickens on the anterior surface, forming the medial and lateral patellar retinacula (retinacula patellae mediale et laterale), which surround the patella on both sides and blend with the patellar ligament.