Sesamoid bone
Sesamoid Bone
A Sesamoid bone (/sɛˈseɪmɔɪd/; from the Latin word sesamoides, meaning "like a sesame seed") is a type of bone that is embedded within a tendon or a muscle. It is derived from the Greek word "sesamon", which means "sesame seed". These bones are found in several parts of the body, but are most commonly located in the hands and feet.
Function
Sesamoid bones act like pulleys, providing a smooth surface for tendons to slide over, increasing the tendon's ability to transmit muscular forces. The presence of sesamoid bones in a tendon increases the mechanical advantage of muscles, thus modifying the direction of their pull.
Examples
The most recognized sesamoid bones are the patella (knee cap) and the pisiform (smallest of the carpal bones in the hand, specifically in the heel of the hand). Other examples include the two sesamoid bones found beneath the first metatarsophalangeal joint (the joint of the big toe), and the fabella, a small sesamoid bone found in some mammals behind the knee.
Related Terms
- Ossicle: A small bone or bony structure, such as the malleus, incus, and stapes, the bones of the middle ear.
- Tendon: A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.
- Muscle: A band or bundle of fibrous tissue in a human or animal body that has the ability to contract, producing movement in or maintaining the position of parts of the body.
- Patella: The kneecap.
- Pisiform: A small knobbly, sesamoid bone that is part of the ulna in the human hand, and forms part of the wrist.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sesamoid bone
- Wikipedia's article - Sesamoid bone
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