What Is a Knee Cap?

A knee cap, also called a patella, is a bone inside the leg that protects the front of the knee joint. It is triangular in shape and is connected to the muscles in the leg by ligaments. The knee cap is an important bone in the leg because of its role. An average person walks, moves and uses their legs a lot throughout each day, causing stress on the knee joints. Without the knee cap, tremendous damage would occur to the knee just from normal daily activities.

Purpose

• The main purpose of the knee cap is to protect the muscles and joints that are behind it. The knee cap absorbs the pressures caused from walking, falling or skinning the knee. Because of the knee cap, the joints behind it are protected.

Common Problems

• When the knee cap does not function properly, people can experience pain and problems. One common problem that happens to knee caps occurs from overuse. This causes the cartilage behind it to wear and tear. Another problem is called chondromalacia patella. This occurs when the knee cap shifts and slides over the thigh bone. Many people experience problems with their knee caps due to aging. Knee cap problems can be discovered through X-rays.

Description

• The knee cap is a bone that is movable and is wrapped inside a tendon. This tendon connects muscles from the front of a person's thigh to the quadriceps muscles in the person's lower leg bones. Articular cartilage covers the underside of the knee cap. This cartilage is smooth and slippery, allowing easy joint movements.

Considerations

• Many people may experience problems with their knee caps; however, certain groups of people are more likely to experience knee cap issues. This includes soccer players, ballet dancers, cyclists and runners. People in certain job industries may also be more prone to knee injuries, including carpet layers.