Introduction – What is the quadriceps tendon?
The quadriceps tendon is the attachment tendon of the muscle M. quadriceps femoris. It is located at the front of the thigh and is the largest muscle in the body. It is also essential for running.
This gives the quadriceps tendon a special significance in the human body. On the one hand, it must be very resistant, as it is subject to massive strain. On the other hand, it must not interfere with normal running movements.
It extends from the lower edge of the quadriceps femoris muscle through the knee joint to the upper edge of the tibia. The tendon thus bridges a joint. Furthermore, the kneecap is embedded in it as a sesamoid bone, which means a more favorable lever for the force generated by the muscle.
Anatomy of the quadriceps tendon
The quadriceps tendon has collagenous connective tissue type I microscopically like any other tendon in the human body that is connected to the muscles. This is very strong and adapted to the prevailing needs. This tensile strength enables the body to build up a great deal of strength without the tendon tearing.
This is especially essential for the high loads on the quadriceps tendon. If the quadriceps tendon is viewed macroscopically, several special features are noticeable. First, it is one of the strongest tendons in the entire body.
It is particularly thick and has a large cross-sectional area. This is also related to the high loads that prevail. On the other hand, it has an embedded bone, the patella.
The kneecap is completely surrounded by tendon tissue within the quadriceps tendon at about the height of the knee joint, with the majority of the bone lying slightly above the joint space. The patella serves as a sesamoid bone. This means that it represents an extension of the lever, which means that the quadriceps femoris muscle has a greater effect on the extension of the leg.
Overall, the quadriceps tendon extends from the lower edge of the M. quadriceps femoris to the upper part of the tibia. The upper part of the tendon merges smoothly into the muscles of the large leg extensor. The lower part of the tendon inserts at a bony projection just below the knee joint gap.
