anatomy/patellar-tendon·Tendon / ligament
Patellar tendon
Ligamentum patellae
The strong cord from the kneecap to the shin bone. Through it the quadriceps straightens the knee.
// Structure & location
The patellar tendon is about a thumb wide and easy to feel below the kneecap. Because it connects bone to bone, it is anatomically called the patellar ligament. Functionally, though, it is the extension of the quadriceps tendon, with the kneecap as a built-in pulley.
// Function
It transmits the entire force of the quadriceps to the tibia. In jumping, landing and braking it has to withstand very high tensile forces.
// For training & sport
- Pain just below the kneecap in jumping sports like volleyball or basketball often points to jumper's knee (patellar tendinopathy).
- Tendon problems are often treated with slow, heavy exercises like squats or leg extensions, rather than complete rest.
// Good to know
A light tap with a reflex hammer on this tendon triggers the knee-jerk reflex: the quadriceps briefly contracts and the lower leg kicks forward.
// Sources
last reviewed: 2026-11-14