Quadriceps tendon
Tendo musculi quadricipitis femoris
MuscularSuperficial musclesLegLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Common tendon of the four quadriceps heads, attaching to the base (upper border) of the patella; its superficial fibres continue over the patella into the patellar ligament.
- Function
- Transmits the pull of the quadriceps across the knee via the patella, which acts as a pulley that increases its leverage.
- Size
- About 3 cm wide, 7-8 mm thick and 4-5 cm long above the patella.
- Clinical note
- Ruptures mainly in people over 40, often with diabetes, kidney disease or steroid use; the patient cannot straighten the knee against gravity.