Which joint is formed by articulation between the patella and the femur?

Which joint is formed by articulation between the patella and the femur?

• A. Patellofemoral Joint
• B. Tibiofemoral Joint
• C. Hip Joint
• D. Sacroiliac Joint

Answer: (A)

The joint formed by the articulation between the patella and the femur is the patellofemoral joint. It occurs where the posterior surface of the patella screens against the femoral trochlear groove, forming a synovial plane (gliding) joint. This arrangement lets the patella glide smoothly as the knee flexes and extends, enhancing the quadriceps’ leverage by acting as a pulley and transmitting force from the quadriceps tendon to the tibia via the patellar ligament. The other joints listed connect different bones: the tibiofemoral joint sits between the femur and tibia, the hip joint between the femur and the pelvis, and the sacroiliac joint between the sacrum and ilium.

The joint formed by the articulation between the patella and the femur is the patellofemoral joint. It occurs where the posterior surface of the patella screens against the femoral trochlear groove, forming a synovial plane (gliding) joint. This arrangement lets the patella glide smoothly as the knee flexes and extends, enhancing the quadriceps’ leverage by acting as a pulley and transmitting force from the quadriceps tendon to the tibia via the patellar ligament. The other joints listed connect different bones: the tibiofemoral joint sits between the femur and tibia, the hip joint between the femur and the pelvis, and the sacroiliac joint between the sacrum and ilium.