Name: femur and patella: knee and hip support
Uploaded: 2025-05-22T09:05:58.000Z
Duration: 1 min 16 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

ohios-learning-standards-and-model-curriculum

Ohio’s Learning Standards and Model Curriculum

9-12

Human Anatomy and Physiology

Support And Motion

Skeletal System

bones-of-the-lower-limb-femur-and-patella

Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella

The weight-bearing lower limbs have thick bones that connect to strong muscles.
The thigh bone or the femur is the longest and heaviest bone in the body.
It has a head, a neck, a shaft, and condyles.
The head articulates with the hip bone, and rough projections called the greater and lesser trochanters attach to the hip and buttock muscles.
On the posterior surface, a rough crest called the linea aspera attaches to the thigh muscles.
Near the knee joint, it bifurcates into the supracondylar ridges that end in the lateral and medial condyles, separated by the intercondylar fossa.
The patella or the kneecap is a large sesamoid bone. It is surrounded by the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscles that help straighten the knee during kicking, running, and jumping.
During such actions, the patella glides across the femur&#39;s patellar groove, allowing only up and down movement.
The patella is cartilaginous at birth and starts to ossify at the age of 2 or 3, completing ossification at puberty.

bones of the lower limb: femur and patella

The femur is the body&#39;s longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip joint. A minor indentation on the medial side of the femoral head, called the fovea capitis, serves as the site of attachment for the ligament of the head of the femur. This weak ligament spans the femur and acetabulum and supports the hip joint. The narrowed region below the head is the neck of the femur. The inclination angle between the neck and shaft is about 128 degrees, which decreases with age. The neck is a common area for fractures of the femur. Above the base of the neck is the large bony projection called the greater trochanter. Multiple muscles attach to this projection, acting across the hip joint.
Just below the neck of the femur is a small bony prominence called the lesser trochanter, to which a single muscle attaches. The roughened intertrochanteric line runs between the greater and lesser trochanters on the anterior side of the femur. The femoral shaft has a rough line called the linea aspera to which muscles of the hip and thigh regions attach. Distally the femur broadens and ends in the lateral and medial condyles, which articulate with the tibia to form the knee joint. Posteriorly, the medial and lateral condyles are separated by a deep depression called the intercondylar fossa. Anteriorly, the smooth surfaces of the condyles join together to form a wide groove called the patellar surface, which provides for articulation with the patella bone.
The patella, or the kneecap, is the most prominent sesamoid bone of the body. The patella is enclosed in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle that attaches to the tibia. It articulates with the patellar surface of the femur. The patella lifts the tendon away from the knee joint, which increases the leverage power of the quadriceps femoris muscle, as it acts across the knee.
Patellofemoral syndrome, also known as the runner&#39;s knee, is the most common overuse injury among runners. During extension of the knee, the quadriceps femoris muscle pulls the patella both superiorly and laterally, with the lateral pull greater in women due to their large Q-angle. This makes women more vulnerable to developing patellofemoral syndrome than men.
This text is adapted from <a href="https://openstax.org/books/anatomy-and-physiology-2e/pages/8-4-bones-of-the-lower-limb">Openstax, Anatomy and Physiology 2e, Section 8.4: Bones of the lower limb.</a>

The femur is the body&#39;s longest and strongest bone spanning the thigh region. Its head articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bone to form the hip ...

Education

JoVE Core

Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 1

The Appendicular Skeleton

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

femur and patella: knee and hip support

The femur and patella help support movement at the hip and knee. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body. It spans the thigh region and connects the hip joint to the knee joint.

The head of the femur fits into the acetabulum of the hip bone. A small dip on the medial side of the femoral head is the fovea capitis. This is where the ligament of the head of the femur attaches. That weak ligament runs between the femur and acetabulum and helps support the hip joint. Below the head is the neck of the femur, and the angle between the neck and shaft is about 128 degrees. This angle decreases with age, and the neck is a common fracture site.

Above the neck is the greater trochanter. Many muscles attach here and act across the hip joint. Below the neck is the lesser trochanter, which has a single muscle attachment. The intertrochanteric line runs between these two trochanters on the front of the femur. Farther down the shaft, the linea aspera is a rough line where muscles from the hip and thigh attach.

At the lower end, the femur widens into the medial and lateral condyles. These condyles join with the tibia to form the knee joint. On the back side, they are separated by the intercondylar fossa, a deep depression. On the front side, they meet to form the patellar surface, a smooth groove for the patella.

The patella, or kneecap, is the most prominent sesamoid bone in the body. A sesamoid bone forms inside a tendon. The patella sits in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle, which attaches to the tibia. It also fits against the patellar surface of the femur. By lifting the tendon away from the knee joint, the patella increases the leverage of the quadriceps femoris muscle.

Patellofemoral syndrome, also called runner's knee, is the most common overuse injury in runners. When the knee extends, the quadriceps femoris muscle pulls the patella upward and outward. This lateral pull is greater in women because of their larger Q-angle. For that reason, women are more likely than men to develop patellofemoral syndrome.

Femur and Patella: Knee and Hip Support

bones of the upper limb: humerus

Humerus Landmarks and Elbow Joints

The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm. It connects the shoulder region to the forearm and helps form the shoulder and elbow joints. In the upper limb, it sits between the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. At the top of the humerus is a smooth, rounded head. It fits into the glenoid cavity of the scapula, or shoulder blade, to form the glenohumeral joint. The edge of the head is the anatomical neck, which is a leftover epiphyseal plate. Near the top, the humerus also widens into...

bones of the upper limb: ulna

Ulna: Elbow and Wrist Support Bone

The ulna is a forearm bone that helps support the elbow and wrist. It runs parallel to the radius, and it lies on the medial side of the antebrachium, or forearm. Its shape and joint surfaces help the arm bend, rotate, and stay stable during movement. At the proximal end, the ulna has the olecranon process. This hook-like tip fits into the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. That hinge-like joint allows flexion and extension at the forearm while...

bones of the upper limb: radius

Radius: Forearm Motion and Wrist Support

The radius is the longer bone in the forearm, and it plays a key role in elbow, wrist, and hand movement. It sits beside the ulna in the antebrachium, which is the forearm. At the upper end, the radius meets the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to help form the elbow joint. The lower end of the radius connects with the ulna through the ulnar notch. This connection forms the distal radioulnar joint. The radius also joins the scaphoid and lunate carpal bones at the wrist...

The femur and patella help support movement at the hip and knee. The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the body. It spans the thigh region and connects the hip joint to the knee joint. The head of the femur fits into the acetabulum of the hip bone. A small dip on the medial side of the femoral head is the fovea capitis. This is where the ligament of the head of the femur attaches. That weak ligament runs between the femur and acetabulum and helps support the hip joint. Below the head...

bones of the lower limb: tibia and fibula

Lower Leg Bones and Ankle Landmarks

The tibia and fibula are the two bones of the lower leg. The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone. It is larger than the fibula and is the second longest bone in the body. It lies close to the skin, so many of its parts are easy to feel. The upper end of the tibia helps form the knee joint. Its medial condyle and lateral condyle join with the condyles of the femur. Between them is the intercondylar eminence, an uneven raised area that anchors two supporting ligaments of the knee. The tibial...

changes in the appendicular skeleton with age

changes-in-the-appendicular-skeleton-with-age

How Limb Buds Form the Appendicular Skeleton

The appendicular skeleton begins as limb buds on the side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, and the lower limb bud follows soon after. Each limb bud has a core of mesenchyme, which is a loose embryonic tissue, covered by ectoderm, the outer cell layer. A thickened part of the ectoderm forms the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge signals the mesenchyme below it to divide quickly and drive limb outgrowth. As the limb bud grows...

key terms and concepts

Learn how the femur and patella support hip and knee movement, from key landmarks to the patella’s role in leverage and runner’s knee.

Femur and Patella: Knee and Hip Support | JoVE K12

anatomy and physiology

JoVE Core Anatomy and Physiology showcases the anatomical and physiological details of the human body in comprehensive, clear, and engaging video animations. This collection of lessons focuses on the structures, components, functions, and requirements of the human body. It is complemented by scientist-in-action videos that demonstrate the application of this knowledge in real-world medical and research settings.

Florida Department of Education

High School

Life Science

SC.912.L.14

SC.912.L.14.13

SC.912.L.14.14

Introduction to the Integumentary System

The integumentary system is the organ system that comprises the skin and its associated structures. It is the largest system in the human body and plays a ...

Cells of the Epidermis

The epidermis is made of four or five layers of epithelial cells, depending on its location in the body. From deep to superficial, these layers are the ...

Layers of the Epidermis

The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is composed of several distinct layers. From deep to superficial, the layers of the epidermis are as ...

Papillary Dermis

Dermis
The dermis might be considered the &#34;core&#34; of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and ...

Reticular Dermis

The papillary and reticular dermis are the two layers of the dermis. They are made of connective tissue with fibers of collagen extending from one to the ...

Hypodermis

The hypodermis (the subcutaneous layer or superficial fascia) is present directly below the dermis. It connects the skin to the underlying fascia (fibrous ...

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called ...

changes-in-skin-color-clinical-perspectives

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are ...

accessory-structures-of-the-skin-hair-and-hair-follicles

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair and Hair Follicles

Hair and hair follicles are integral components of the integumentary system. Hair is a filamentous structure composed mainly of a protein called keratin. ...

accessory-structures-of-the-skin-hair-growth-and-types

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Hair Growth and Types

Hair growth begins with the production of keratinocytes by the basal cells of the hair bulb. As new cells are deposited at the hair bulb, the hair shaft ...

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Nails

Nails are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are hard, protective structures that cover the dorsal surface of the distal ...

accessory-structures-of-the-skin-sweat-glands

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sweat Glands

Sweat glands or sudoriferous glands are one of the important accessory structures of the skin. They are small, coiled tubular structures located in the ...

accessory-structures-of-the-skin-sebaceous-glands

Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands

A sebaceous gland is a type of oil gland found almost all over the skin ( except palms and soles) and helps lubricate and waterproof the skin and hair. ...

Sensory Functions of the Skin

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a crucial role in our sensory perception. It contains a vast network of sensory receptors that ...

Role of Skin in Vitamin D Synthesis

The skin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D, a vital nutrient for various physiological processes in the body. Vitamin D is unique because ...

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the ...

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. ...

Burn Injuries

Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can ...

Integumentary System

Content elaboration: The integumentary system consists of skin and accessory structures. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the hypodermis (subcutaneous layer). The accessory structures can include sweat glands, sebaceous glands, arrector pili muscles, hair follicles and nails. Skin functions include protection, temperature regulation, excretion and sensory perception. These occur through the processes of perspiration, skin production and shedding, vitamin D synthesis and repair. Homeostatic imbalances are explored. These include, but are not limited to, burns, skin cancer, anhidrosis, acne, eczema or scleroderma. Investigations are used to understand and explain the integumentary system in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that can incorporate evolutionary concepts, scientific reasoning, comparative analysis, communication skills and real-world applications.

Integumentary System

Introduction to the Skeletal System

The skeletal system is the central framework of the body, consisting of different connective tissues: bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Components ...

The Functions of the Skeletal System

The most apparent functions of the skeletal system are support, protection, and movement. However, bone tissue also performs several other critical ...

Classification of Bones

The bones of the human skeletal system are of varied shapes, sizes, and functions. They can be classified based on their shape and function into four ...

Gross Anatomy of Bone

The two main features of a long bone are the diaphysis and the epiphysis.
The diaphysis is the tubular shaft that runs between the proximal and distal ...

Compact Bone

Most bones contain compact and spongy osseous tissue, but their distribution and concentration vary based on the bone&#39;s overall function.
Compact ...

Spongy Bone

All bones comprise an outer layer of compact bone, and an interior made up of spongy bone tissue, also called cancellous or trabecular bone. In long ...

Bone Markings

Bones have various surface features that help form joints and attach to other soft tissues. Depending on the function, bone markings are categorized into ...

Bone Cells and Tissue

Bones contain a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of organic and inorganic components. Although bone cells compose only a small ...

The Bone Matrix

Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt ...

Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones

Bones are dynamic organs that require a rich supply of oxygen and nutrients. Around 5% to 10% of the cardiac output supplies blood to the bones. A typical ...

bone-formation-by-intramembranous-ossification

Bone Formation by Intramembranous Ossification

Intramembranous ossification is one of the two processes involved in the development of bones within an embryo. The flat bones of the face, most of the ...

bone-formation-by-endochondral-ossification

Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification

Bone formation, or ossification, begins around the sixth to seventh week of embryonic development. Most bones develop from a cartilaginous template ...

Bone Remodeling and Repair

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient&#39;s age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are ...

Bone Disorders

Aging and its effect on bone remodeling is the most common cause of bone disorders. In young and healthy people, bone deposition and resorption happen at ...

Essential Minerals for Bone Health

The minerals contained in all of the food we consume are essential for our organ systems. However, certain essential minerals, such as calcium, ...

role-of-vitamins-in-maintaining-bone-health

Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health

The growth and maintenance of bone are regulated by a combination of nutritional factors, including vitamins, such as vitamin A, B12, C, D, and K.
Vitamin ...

Hormones and Bone Tissue

The endocrine system produces and secretes hormones, which interact with the skeletal system. These hormones control bone growth, maintain bone once it is ...

Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

Calcium is not only the most abundant mineral in bone but also the most abundant mineral in the human body. Calcium ions are needed for bone ...

Overview of the Axial Skeleton

The skeleton is subdivided into two major divisions&#8212;the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. The axial skeleton forms the vertical, central ...

Overview of the Skull

The cranium (skull) is the skeletal structure of the head that supports the face and protects the brain. It is subdivided into the facial bones and the ...

cranial-bones-superior-and-posterior-view

Cranial Bones: Superior and Posterior View

The superior view of the cranium shows the frontal and paired parietal bones.
The frontal bone is the single bone that forms the forehead. At its anterior ...

Cranial Bones: Lateral View

The lateral view of the cranium is dominated by temporal, sphenoid, and ethmoid bones.
The temporal bone forms the lower lateral side of the skull. The ...

Sutures of the Skull

The human skull is composed of several bones that come together to protect the brain and support the structures of the face. The junctions where these ...

The Hyoid Bone

The hyoid bone is a small U-shaped bone located in the upper neck at the level of the inferior mandible, with its tips pointing posteriorly. It does not ...

The Auditory Ossicles

The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two ...

Vertebral Column: Regions and Curvature

The vertebral column or spine is a flexible column that supports the head, neck, and body and&#160; allows for their movements. It also protects the ...

General Structure of a Vertebra

A typical vertebra, with the exception of the sacrum and coccyx, consists of a body, a vertebral arch, and seven different projections termed processes. ...

The Thoracic Cage: Sternum

The thoracic or rib cage forms the body&#39;s thorax (chest) portion. Its primary function in the body is to protect vital organs in the thoracic cavity, ...

The Thoracic Cage: Ribs

Ribs are curved, flattened bones forming the thoracic cavity wall with the thoracic muscles. There are 12 pairs of thoracic ribs. The posterior ends of ...

Structural Joints: Fibrous Joints

Fibrous joints are a type of joint where the bones are connected by fibrous connective tissue. These joints provide stability and minimal to no movement ...

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, ...

Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints

As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike ...

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process ...

Structural Joints: Synovial Joints

Synovial joints are the most common type of joint in the body. A key structural characteristic for a synovial joint is the presence of a joint cavity. ...

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of ...

Articulations of the Vertebral Column

In addition to being held together by the intervertebral discs, adjacent vertebrae also articulate with each other at synovial joints formed between the ...

Knee Joint

The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations&#8211; two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is ...

Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula

The tibia is the main weight-bearing bone of the lower leg. It is larger than the fibula with which it is paired. The tibia is also the second longest ...

Ankle Joint

The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the ...

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud ...

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all ...

Introduction to Joints

The adult human body usually has 206 bones, and except for the hyoid bone in the neck, each bone is connected to at least one other bone. Joints are the ...

Functional Classification of Joints

Functional Classification of Joints
The functional classification of joints is determined by the amount of mobility between the adjacent bones. Joints are ...

Structural Classification of Joints

Joints, also known as articulations, are classified based on their structural characteristics, i.e., based on whether the articulating surfaces of the ...

Skeletal System

Content elaboration: The skeletal system is composed of bones, cartilage, joints and ligaments. Bones make up most of the skeleton. There are four main cell types that compose bone tissue, each with a specific function: osteogenic cells, osteocytes, osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The microscopic anatomy of compact bone includes osteons. Bones are classified by their shape. The structure of a typical long bone can be explored. Specific bones of the skeleton can be studied by their subdivisions: the axial skeleton and the appendicular skeleton. Cartilage is found in areas of the nose, ears, ribs and joints. Joints can be classified by structure or by function. The general structure of synovial joints may be explored. Ligaments connect bone to bone, stabilizing joints. The skeletal system provides support for the human body, protects soft organs, allows for movement due to attachment of muscles, stores minerals and fat and forms blood cells. Processes of the skeletal system include hematopoiesis, ossification and bone growth and remodeling. A comparison of male to female, juvenile to adult or human to other vertebrate skeletons may be explored. Homeostatic imbalances are explored. These include, but are not limited to, osteoporosis, malnutrition, fractures, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and arthritis. Investigations are used to understand and explain the skeletal system in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that can incorporate evolutionary concepts, scientific reasoning, comparative analysis, communication skills and real-world applications.

Overview of Muscle Tissues

The human body has three types of muscle tissue: skeletal, smooth, and cardiac. Each class has unique properties that enable them to perform specific ...

Gross Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles

The connective tissues play a significant role in arranging the muscle fibers into a hierarchical structure that forms a complete muscle. Consider a ...

Microscopic Anatomy of Skeletal Muscles

Each skeletal muscle is composed of multiple bundles of elongated multinucleated muscle cells or muscle fibers.
These cells are enclosed by a plasma ...

The Sarcomere

A sarcomere is mainly made up of two types of filaments&#8212; thin filaments containing actin, troponin, and tropomyosin and thick filaments containing ...

The Neuromuscular Junction

A neuromuscular junction is a specialized synapse between a somatic motor neuron and a skeletal muscle fiber.
The cell body of a somatic motor neuron lies ...

generation-of-action-potential-in-skeletal-muscles

Generation of Action Potential in Skeletal Muscles

Every cell in the body maintains a membrane potential due to an uneven distribution of positive and negative charges across its plasma membrane. The ...

excitation-contraction-coupling-in-skeletal-muscles

Excitation-Contraction Coupling in Skeletal Muscles

Excitation-contraction coupling is a series of events that occur between generating an action potential and initiating a muscle contraction. It occurs at ...

Muscular System

Content elaboration: The muscular system consists of three types of muscle cells: skeletal, smooth and cardiac. The primary function of the muscular system is to contract, thereby, moving the body and internal fluids, maintaining posture, generating heat and stabilizing joints. Muscles are controlled voluntarily and/or involuntarily. Heart muscle cells are mononucleated, branched and striated. Intercalated disks are characteristic of cardiac muscle and aid in communication between cardiac muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells, found in the hollow organs and blood vessels, are mononucleated, spindle-shaped and nonstriated. Skeletal muscle cells, found attached to bones and skin, are multinucleated, cylindrical and striated. The muscles of the body can be studied by group, which include the muscles of the head, face and neck, the trunk and the upper and lower limbs. Processes of the muscular system include gross body movements produced by skeletal muscles as they interact with the skeletal system, and muscle contraction. The connection between the nervous system and the skeletal system should be explored through the study of action potentials and the resulting contraction of sarcomeres, as described by the sliding filament theory. Energy processing and muscle responses to stimuli can be studied along with building muscle tissue through exercise. The effects of steroids can also be investigated. Homeostatic imbalances are explored. These include, but are not limited to, muscular dystrophy and atrophy. Investigations are used to understand and explain the muscular system in a variety of inquiry and design scenarios that can incorporate evolutionary concepts, scientific reasoning, comparative analysis, communication skills and real-world applications.

Muscular System

Femur and Patella: Knee and Hip Support

Description

Transcript

Tags

More videos by Standards