Patellar plexus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:20, 15 February 2025

Patellar Plexus[edit]

Diagram of the patellar plexus and surrounding nerves.

The patellar plexus is a network of nerves located around the patella, or kneecap, which is part of the knee joint. This plexus is primarily involved in the sensory innervation of the anterior aspect of the knee.

Anatomy[edit]

The patellar plexus is formed by the convergence of several nerves that provide sensory innervation to the skin over the patella and the surrounding area. These nerves include branches from the following:

The femoral nerve, specifically the saphenous nerve, which is the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve.
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies the skin on the lateral aspect of the thigh and contributes to the lateral part of the plexus.
The anterior femoral cutaneous nerve, which provides sensation to the anterior and medial aspects of the thigh.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the patellar plexus is to provide sensory innervation to the skin overlying the patella and the anterior knee region. This sensory input is crucial for proprioception and the protective reflexes of the knee joint.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injury or irritation to the nerves forming the patellar plexus can lead to sensory disturbances such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the anterior knee region. Such conditions may arise from trauma, surgical procedures, or compression of the nerves.

Related Structures[edit]

The patellar plexus is closely associated with other structures of the knee joint, including:

The patellar tendon, which connects the patella to the tibia.
The quadriceps femoris muscle, which is responsible for extending the knee.
The knee joint, a complex synovial joint that allows for flexion and extension of the leg.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Patellar Plexus'''
+== Patellar Plexus ==
-The '''Patellar Plexus''' is a network of veins located in the knee region. It is formed by the anastomosis of the [[genicular veins]], which are a group of veins that accompany the genicular arteries around the knee. The patellar plexus is clinically significant as it is often implicated in [[knee pain]] and other knee-related conditions.
+[[File:Gray825and830.PNG|thumb|right|Diagram of the patellar plexus and surrounding nerves.]]
-==Etymology==
+The '''patellar plexus''' is a network of nerves located around the [[patella]], or kneecap, which is part of the [[knee joint]]. This plexus is primarily involved in the sensory innervation of the anterior aspect of the knee.
-The term "Patellar Plexus" is derived from the Latin word "patella," meaning "small dish," referring to the kneecap, and the Latin word "plexus," meaning "braid" or "network." This is in reference to the network of veins that form around the kneecap.
-==Anatomy==
+=== Anatomy ===
-The Patellar Plexus is formed by the anastomosis of the genicular veins. These veins accompany the genicular arteries, which are branches of the [[popliteal artery]]. The plexus is located in the region of the knee, specifically around the patella or kneecap.
-==Clinical Significance==
+The patellar plexus is formed by the convergence of several nerves that provide sensory innervation to the skin over the patella and the surrounding area. These nerves include branches from the following:
-The Patellar Plexus is often implicated in knee pain and other knee-related conditions. It is particularly significant in the diagnosis and treatment of [[patellofemoral pain syndrome]], a common cause of knee pain in young adults. The plexus can also be involved in [[knee osteoarthritis]], a degenerative joint disease that affects the knee.
-==Related Terms==
+* The [[femoral nerve]], specifically the [[saphenous nerve]], which is the largest cutaneous branch of the femoral nerve.
-* [[Genicular veins]]: Veins that accompany the genicular arteries around the knee.
+* The [[lateral femoral cutaneous nerve]], which supplies the skin on the lateral aspect of the thigh and contributes to the lateral part of the plexus.
-* [[Popliteal artery]]: The main artery that supplies blood to the knee region.
+* The [[anterior femoral cutaneous nerve]], which provides sensation to the anterior and medial aspects of the thigh.
-* [[Patellofemoral pain syndrome]]: A common cause of knee pain in young adults.
-* [[Knee osteoarthritis]]: A degenerative joint disease that affects the knee.
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
+=== Function ===
-[[Category:Medical terminology]]
-[[Category:Veins]]
+The primary function of the patellar plexus is to provide sensory innervation to the skin overlying the patella and the anterior knee region. This sensory input is crucial for proprioception and the protective reflexes of the knee joint.
-{{stub}}
+=== Clinical Significance ===
+Injury or irritation to the nerves forming the patellar plexus can lead to sensory disturbances such as numbness, tingling, or pain in the anterior knee region. Such conditions may arise from trauma, surgical procedures, or compression of the nerves.
+=== Related Structures ===
+The patellar plexus is closely associated with other structures of the knee joint, including:
+* The [[patellar tendon]], which connects the patella to the [[tibia]].
+* The [[quadriceps femoris muscle]], which is responsible for extending the knee.
+* The [[knee joint]], a complex synovial joint that allows for flexion and extension of the leg.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Knee joint]]
+* [[Femoral nerve]]
+* [[Saphenous nerve]]
+* [[Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve]]
+* [[Anterior femoral cutaneous nerve]]
+[[Category:Anatomy of the lower limb]]
+[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]