Final answer:
The term 'patellofemoral' pertains to the relationship and articulation between the patella, also known as the kneecap, and the femur, or thighbone. The patella enhances knee extension by minimizing friction and protects the quadriceps tendon from wear.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term patellofemoral refers to the anatomical relationship between the patella, or kneecap, and the femur, or thighbone.
The patella is a small, triangular bone that lies anterior to the knee joint and is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. It articulates only with the distal end of the femur at the femoropatellar joint.
This joint is one of three articulations that comprise the knee, which also includes the medial and lateral tibiofemoral joints.
The main function of the patella is to protect the quadriceps tendon from friction against the femur during knee movements and to improve knee extension by reducing friction.