What is the function of horses patella?

The patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is a sesamoid bone embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle in horses, just like in humans. Its primary function is to:

* Increase the leverage of the quadriceps muscle: The patella acts as a pulley, redirecting the force of the quadriceps muscle, which extends the stifle joint (knee), through the patellar tendon to the tibia. This redirection increases the mechanical advantage of the muscle, allowing for more efficient extension of the hind leg.

* Protect the joint: The patella helps protect the articular cartilage and other soft tissues within the stifle joint from direct impact.

* Provide stability: The patella contributes to the overall stability of the stifle joint, preventing lateral displacement and ensuring proper tracking of the patellar tendon.

While the patella plays a crucial role in the horse's hind leg function, it is important to note that it's not a joint itself. Instead, it's a bone that sits within the joint, facilitating its movement.

Here's a simple analogy:

Imagine a rope and pulley system. The rope represents the quadriceps tendon, the pulley represents the patella, and the weight represents the horse's leg. By redirecting the force of the rope through the pulley, you can lift a heavier weight (the horse's leg) more easily.