The patella is commonly known as what?

The patella is commonly known as the kneecap. This small, circular bone is located at the front of the knee joint and plays an essential role in protecting the knee joint and facilitating its movement. It serves as a fulcrum for the quadriceps muscle, enhancing the leverage and efficiency of the muscle during activities such as running, jumping, and squatting. The patella is integral to the knee’s biomechanics, absorbing stress and providing stability.

Other options do not correctly identify the patella; terms like elbow cap, ankle bone, and wrist bone refer to completely different structures within the human skeletal system. Understanding that the patella specifically refers to the kneecap clarifies both its anatomical location and its function within the body.