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Patellar ligament
Other Terms:
Central band of tendon of quadriceps femoris,
Ligamentum patella,
Ligamentum patellae,
Ligament patellaire
Parts
None
Group
Lower limb joints - Knee
Description
This is the distal portion of the strong quadriceps femoris tendon. The portion of the tendon that extends from the apex and inferior border of the patella to the tibial tuberosity is termed the patellar ligament. It is a thick, flattened band that is approximately the width of the patella. The thinner medial and lateral aspects of the quadriceps tendon flank the patellar ligament and blend with the fibrous joint capsule as the medial and lateral patellar retinacula.
Function
Directs the force of the quadriceps femoris muscles to the tibia during extension of the knee. Stabilizes the patellofemoral joint.
Latin
Ligamentum patellae
French
Ligament patellaire
