What is the medical term for the knee cap?

The medical term for the knee cap is "patella." The patella is a small, flat triangular bone that sits in front of the knee joint, serving a crucial role in protecting the knee and improving the leverage of the thigh muscles during activities such as walking, running, and jumping. This bone serves not only as a shield for the knee joint but also aids in the facilitation of movements by helping to improve the angle at which the quadriceps tendon acts on the femur.

In contrast, the fibula and tibia are the two long bones located in the lower leg, with the fibula being the thinner bone on the outside and the tibia being the larger bone that supports the body's weight. The femur is the thigh bone, which is the longest bone in the human body and connects the hip joint to the knee. Understanding these anatomical terms helps in comprehending the structure and function of the skeletal system, providing clarity on how these bones interact to facilitate movement.