These are five in number - two lateral and three straight. The lateral ligaments extend from the inner and outer sides of the patella to corresponding parts of the lower extremity of the femur.

The straight ligaments, distinguished as the external, internal, and middle, are attached above to the anterior surface of the patella, and below to the anterior tuberosity of the tibia.

The middle ligament plays over a synovial bursa in the groove below which it is attached, and is, besides, clothed in a thick cushion of fat.