Patellar tendon
Ligamentum patellae
MuscularSuperficial musclesLegLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Strong flat band running from the apex of the patella to the tibial tuberosity - the continuation of the quadriceps tendon below the patella (strictly a ligament, as it joins two bones).
- Function
- Transfers the quadriceps pull to the tibia to extend the knee; tapping it elicits the knee-jerk reflex (L3-L4).
- Size
- About 4-5 cm long, 2.5-3 cm wide and 5 mm thick.
- Clinical note
- Its central third, with bone blocks, is a classic graft for ACL reconstruction; overload causes patellar tendinopathy ("jumper's knee").