Which ligament attaches to the apex of the patella?

• A. Patellar Ligament
• B. Medial Collateral Ligament
• C. Lateral Collateral Ligament
• D. Oblique Popliteal Ligament

Answer: (A)

The apex of the patella is the inferior pole where the patellar ligament attaches. This ligament, also called the ligamentum patellae, runs from the inferior edge of the patella to the tibial tuberosity and transmits the quadriceps’ pulling force to the tibia to straighten the knee. The medial and lateral collateral ligaments lie on the sides of the knee and do not connect to the patella apex, and the oblique popliteal ligament is a posterior knee structure reinforcing the joint capsule, not attaching to the patella. Hence, the patellar ligament is the one attached at the apex.