Tuberosity of the tibia
Encyclopedia
The tuberosity of the tibia or tibial tuberosity or tibial tubercle is a large oblong elevation on the proximal, anterior aspect of the tibia
, just below where the anterior surfaces of the lateral
and medial tibial condyles
end.
, which attaches to the patella from where the suprapatellar ligament
forms the distal tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscles. The tibial tuberosity thus forms the terminal part of the large structure that acts as a lever to extend the knee-joint. The two ligaments, the patella, and the tibial tuberosity are all superficial, easily palpable structures.
. In running and jumping movements, extreme contraction of the knee extensors can result in avulsion fracture
s of the tuberosity apophysis.
Tibia
The tibia , shinbone, or shankbone is the larger and stronger of the two bones in the leg below the knee in vertebrates , and connects the knee with the ankle bones....
, just below where the anterior surfaces of the lateral
Lateral condyle of tibia
The lateral condyle is the lateral portion of the upper extremity of tibia.It serves as the insertion for the Biceps femoris muscle....
and medial tibial condyles
Medial condyle of tibia
The medial condyle is the medial portion of the upper extremity of tibia.It is the site of insertion for the Semimembranosus muscle....
end.
Structure
It gives attachment to the patellar ligamentPatellar ligament
The patellar ligament is the central portion of the common tendon of the Quadriceps femoris, which is continued from the patella to the tuberosity of the tibia.-Anatomy:It is a strong, flat, ligament, about 10 cm...
, which attaches to the patella from where the suprapatellar ligament
Quadriceps tendon
In human anatomy, the quadriceps tendon connects the quadriceps femoris muscles to the superior aspects of the patella on the anterior of the thigh and controls knee flexion and extension.It can rupture resulting in quadriceps tendon rupture....
forms the distal tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscles. The tibial tuberosity thus forms the terminal part of the large structure that acts as a lever to extend the knee-joint. The two ligaments, the patella, and the tibial tuberosity are all superficial, easily palpable structures.
Fractures
Tibial tuberosity fractures are infrequent fractures mostly common in adolescentsAdolescence
Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental human development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood , but largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage stage...
. In running and jumping movements, extreme contraction of the knee extensors can result in avulsion fracture
Avulsion fracture
An avulsion fracture is a bone fracture which occurs when a fragment of bone tears away from the main mass of bone as a result of physical trauma. This can occur at the ligament due to the application forces external to the body or at the tendon due to a muscular contraction that is stronger than...
s of the tuberosity apophysis.