How Do You Spell ROTULA?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɒtjʊlə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Rotula" is often confused with "patella," which refers to the same anatomical structure, the kneecap. The correct spelling is "Rotula," which is pronounced as /roʊtjʊlə/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The word comes from the Latin root "rota," meaning wheel, and "rotula" means a small wheel or roller. The Rotula functions as a hinge, allowing the femur and tibia to move in unison, enabling us to walk, run, and jump.

ROTULA Meaning and Definition

1. Rotula is a noun that refers to a small, rounded bone found in the front part of the knee joint, also known as the patella. It is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body, embedded within the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle. The term "rotula" is derived from the Latin word "rotulae," meaning a little wheel, which accurately describes its shape.

   The rotula serves an essential function in the knee joint as it forms a crucial part of the patellofemoral joint, where it articulates with the femur (thighbone) and protects the anterior surface of the articulation. It acts as a fulcrum for the quadriceps tendon, allowing the extensor muscles of the knee to function efficiently during movements such as jumping, running, or squatting.

   The smooth surface of the rotula facilitates the gliding of the patella within the femoral groove, reducing friction and distributing weight evenly across the knee joint. It also acts as a bony shield, protecting the underlying structures from external trauma. Additionally, the rotula provides leverage to the quadriceps tendon, enhancing the mechanics of knee extension.

   Various conditions and injuries can affect the rotula, such as patellar dislocation, patellar tendonitis, or patellofemoral pain syndrome. Proper care, including strengthening exercises and wearing appropriate protective gear during physical activities, is crucial to maintain a healthy rotula and prevent potential complications that may hinder its functionality.

2. 1. The patella. 2. A troche or lozenge.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ROTULA

• Rotulla
• eotula
• totula
• 5otula
• 4otula
• rktula
• rltula
• rptula
• r0tula
• r9tula
• rorula
• rofula
• rogula
• royula
• ro6ula
• ro5ula
• rotyla
• rothla
• rotjla
• rotila

Etymology of ROTULA

The word "rotula" has its origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin noun "rota", meaning wheel. The suffix "-ula" is a diminutive ending, denoting a small or lesser version of the word. Thus, "rotula" can be understood as a diminutive form of "rota", meaning a small wheel or a little wheel.

Plural form of ROTULA is ROTULAE OR ROTULAS