What is the common name for the patella?

The patella is commonly referred to as the kneecap. This small, flat, triangular bone is located at the front of the knee joint and serves several important functions, including protecting the knee joint and improving the leverage of the thigh muscles. The term "kneecap" is widely recognized in both medical contexts and everyday language, making it the most suitable and accurate common name for the patella. In contrast, the other options refer to different anatomical structures; the elbow is a joint connecting the upper and lower arm, the wrist comprises a set of bones and joints that connect the hand to the forearm, and the shoulder blade, or scapula, is the bone that connects the upper arm to the trunk of the body. Thus, the distinction of the patella as the kneecap highlights its unique role in the human body.