(A)
Between the skin and superficial fascia at the lower edge of the patella there is often a small subcutaneous bursa.
(B)
Beneath the superficial fascia over the fascia lata there is always a large interfascial bursa, intersected by smooth fibrous bands extending downwards over the upper part of the patellar ligament.
(C)
One still deeper between the deep fascia and front of the bone there is a layer of lax connective tissue.
(D)
Sometimes a third or deep subfascial bursa.
“These bursæ over the knee-joint appear in fœtal life and vary in size in persons of different occupations, being often large in housemaids and carpet-nailers, and often communicating with each other.”[68]
(E)
Occasionally the upper part of the synovial pouch of the knee-joint is shut off from the general cavity and forms a separate bursa beneath the extensor muscles. It always communicates with the knee-joint though originating independently.