Patellas, also known as kneecaps, are the small, flat, triangular bones located in front of the knee joint. There are several synonyms for the word patella, including the Latin term rotula, which also refers to the kneecap. The word sesamoid is also used as a synonym for patella, as it pertains to the small, specialized bones located within tendons or along joint surfaces, such as the patella. Other synonyms for patella include knee bone or knee cap. These different terms are used interchangeably to describe the structure that plays an important role in the protection and movement of the knee joint.