What term describes the distal end of the femur?

The distal end of the femur is referred to as the femoral condyles. This term specifically signifies the rounded prominences that articulate with other bones in the knee joint, namely the tibia. The femoral condyles are essential for weight-bearing activities and allow for the smooth movement of the knee as it flexes and extends.

Describing the other options helps clarify why the femoral condyles is the most appropriate answer. The patella, or kneecap, is a separate bone that sits in front of the knee joint, providing protection and support but is not part of the femur itself. The pubis refers to a different bone in the pelvis and is not located at the distal end of the femur. The tibia is the bone located in the lower leg that connects to the femur at the knee, but it is not the distal end of the femur. Thus, the femoral condyles specifically denote the distal features of the femur that articulate with the tibia, making it the correct term for that part of the bone.