Innervation
The innervation, i.e. the functional supply of a body part or tissue with nerve tissue of the quadriceps tendon is carried out by two separate nervous systems. On the one hand, it is supplied by vegetative nerve fibers, which are important for unconscious body perception. This includes, for example, the measurement of the tension that is applied to the quadriceps tendon.
These parameters also include the length or stretch of the muscles and the flexion of the knee joint. Furthermore, an innervation by consciously controllable nerve fibers takes place. These fibers belong to the femoral nerve.
This nerve originates from a nerve plexus in the lumbar marrow of the spinal cord. The femoral nerve is actually responsible for controlling the contraction of the quadriceps femoris muscle. However, some fibers of the nerve also reach the quadriceps tendon.
Function of the quadriceps tendon
In healthy people, the quadriceps tendon actually serves mainly to transmit force from the quadriceps femoris muscle to the lower leg. This means that the tendon is also tensed when it contracts. This direct juxtaposition of muscle and quadriceps tendon means that the force is transmitted directly.
Because the quadriceps tendon is firmly inserted into a bony structure on the tibia, the lower leg is moved. The position and course of the quadriceps femoris muscle and the position and course of the quadriceps tendon result in a so-called flexion. This means that when the quadriceps femoris muscle, the large leg extensor, contracts, the knee is extended.
The quadriceps tendon thus plays an essential role in standing upright in conjunction with the attached muscles. Without muscles and quadriceps tendon, this would be inconceivable, since gravity would otherwise cause the legs to fold up. Therefore, to a certain degree, there is always a tension in both structures when standing.
Furthermore, the patella is embedded in the quadriceps tendon. It serves as a fixation of the quadriceps tendon at its intended position. The position of the patella in conjunction with the quadriceps tendon allows the large leg extensor to work more effectively. The anatomical position of the kneecap in conjunction with the quadriceps tendon allows the large leg extensor to work more effectively.As a result, standing is less strenuous overall and the combination of muscle and quadriceps tendon makes it possible to apply greater forces.
