Articular surface of patella
Facies articularis patellae
- Related terms: Articular surface
Definition
The articular surface of patella refers to the upper three-fourth of its posterior surface. It is divided by a vertical ridge into a larger lateral and a smaller medial part. Transverse ridges further divide the articular surface into upper, middle and lower parts, that articulate with the femoral condyles at different stages of flexion and extension of knee joint.
It is important to note that the lower one-fourth of the posterior surface of the patella is non-articular.
References
Standring, S. and Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 80: Pelvic girdle, gluteal region and thigh’ in Gray’s anatomy The anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 1348-1353.
