Intercondylar fossa of femur
The intercondylar fossa of femur (intercondyloid fossa of femur, intercondylar notch of femur) is a deep notch between the rear surfaces of the medial and lateral epicondyle of the femur, two protrusions on the distal end of the femur (thigh bone) that joins the knee. On the front of the femur, the condyles are but much less prominent and are separated from one another by a smooth shallow articular depression called the patellar surface because it articulates with the posterior surface of the patella (kneecap).
| Intercondylar fossa of femur | |
|---|---|
 Lower extremity of right femur viewed from below | |
 Right femur seen from behind | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Fossa intercondylaris femoris |
| TA98 | A02.5.04.028 |
| TA2 | 1387 |
| FMA | 43748 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The intercondylar fossa of femur and/or the patellar surface may also be referred to as the patellar groove, patellar sulcus, patellofemoral groove, femoropatellar groove, femoral groove, femoral sulcus, trochlear groove of femur, trochlear sulcus of femur, trochlear surface of femur, or trochlea of femur.
On a lateral radiograph, it is evident as Blumensaat's line.
Additional images
Right knee in extension. Deep dissection. Posterior view.
Right knee in extension. Deep dissection. Posterior view.
Knee joint. Deep dissection. Posterior view.
References
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 247 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)