What is the anatomical name for the bone commonly known as the kneecap?

The kneecap is anatomically known as the patella. It is a small, flat, triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. The patella serves several important functions, including protecting the knee joint, acting as a lever for the quadriceps muscle, and contributing to the stability of the knee during movement.

The femur, tibia, and fibula are other bones of the lower leg and knee area, but they are not the kneecap. The femur is the thigh bone, which connects to the knee, while the tibia and fibula are the two long bones of the lower leg. Understanding these different bones and their functions is critical for recognizing the role of each in the overall anatomy of the leg.