What structure assists the bursa in reducing friction between the patella and other tissues?

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The correct answer is fat pads. Fat pads are specialized structures composed of adipose tissue that serve as cushions and provide additional space to accommodate joint movement. In the case of the knee joint, the infrapatellar fat pad, located beneath the patella, plays a crucial role in reducing friction between the patella and surrounding tissues, such as tendons and ligaments, during movement. By filling spaces and enhancing lubrication, fat pads help prevent wear and tear on the joint surfaces.

Ligaments primarily serve to connect bones and stabilize joints but do not have a direct role in reducing friction. Cartilage, on the other hand, primarily provides a smooth surface for joint movement and acts as a shock absorber but does not function the same way as fat pads in facilitating movement and reducing friction. Tendons connect muscles to bones and allow for movement but do not directly interact with the patella for friction reduction. Thus, fat pads are specifically adapted to aid in minimizing friction within the joint, making them essential for smooth and pain-free motion.

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