The common name for the bone known as the patella is the kneecap. Located at the front of the knee joint, the patella is a flat, round bone that protects the knee and aids in the extension of the leg. It serves several purposes, including providing leverage for the thigh muscles, contributing to the overall strength and stability of the knee joint, and protecting the underlying structures from injury. It is a sesamoid bone, meaning it forms within a tendon, and it plays a crucial role in the mechanics of walking, running, and jumping.