Question

What do the quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament do regarding the quadriceps?

a) They are separate structures with no connection to the quadriceps.
b) The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles to the patellar ligament, which attaches to the tibia.
c) The patellar ligament attaches the quadriceps muscles to the quadriceps tendon, which attaches to the tibia.
d) The quadriceps tendon and patellar ligament play no role in quadriceps function.

Answer 1

The quadriceps tendon connects the quadriceps muscles to the patella, which is embedded in the tendon and assists in leg extension and knee stabilization. The patellar ligament then extends from the patella and attaches to the tibia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer is b) The quadriceps tendon attaches the quadriceps muscles to the patellar ligament, which attaches to the tibia. The quadriceps femoris muscle group in the anterior thigh is responsible for extending the leg at the knee and stabilizing the knee joint.

The quadriceps tendon incorporates the patella, a sesamoid bone, to prevent friction against the distal femur and to increase the leverage power of the quadriceps during leg extension. Below the patella, it continues as the patellar ligament, which then attaches to the anterior tibia just below the knee.