what is patellae
paÂ·telÂ·la. , pl. patellae (pÄ-tel'Ä, -Ä) [TA] The large sesamoid bone that covers the anterior surface of the knee. It is formed in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle and is attached to the tibia by the patellar tendon. Synonym(s): kneecap.