The patellar ligament represents a point of terminological interest. Although Terminologia Anatomica (Federative International Programme for Anatomical Terminology, FIPAT, 2019) recognizes this structure as the patellar ligament (Ligamentum patellae), the term “patellar tendon” is also widely used in the scientific and clinical literature. Considering that terminological precision is a fundamental principle of the anatomical sciences, the aim of this study was to analyze the etymological, morphological, and functional foundations underlying the terms “patellar ligament” and “patellar tendon” to determine which designation is more consistent with the anatomical and morphofunctional characteristics of this structure. A search was conducted in Terminologia Anatomica (FIPAT, 2019), the Vox Latin–Spanish Dictionary (2012), and the Nuevo Diccionario Latino Español Etimológico by De Miguel & De Morante. The etymological origins of the terms were also examined using the Diccionario Médico-Biológico, Histórico y Etimológico. Additionally, their Spanish equivalents were consulted in the Diccionario de la Real Academia Española and the Diccionario panhispánico de términos médicos of the Royal National Academy of Medicine of Spain. Terminologia Anatomica (FIPAT) establishes Ligamentum patellae as the official term, while recognizing Tendo patellae as a synonym. Etymological and medical dictionaries distinguish a ligament as a structure that connects bones, whereas a tendon transmits muscular force to bone. The Diccionario panhispánico de términos médicos recognizes patellar ligament, patellar tendon, and rotulian ligament as equivalent designations. Similarly, MeSH 2026 establishes “Patellar Ligament” as the preferred descriptor, while acknowledging its continuity with the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle and accepting “Patellar Tendon” as an alternative term. The term “patellar ligament” is supported by its bony attachments, whereas “patellar tendon” reflects its continuity with the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle, particularly the rectus femoris muscle, and its role in force transmission.

KEY WORDS: Terminologia Anatomica; Ligamentum patellae; Tendo patellae.