Sesamoid bones
Sesamoid Bones
Sesamoid bones (pronunciation: /ˈsɛsəˌmɔɪd/; etymology: from the Latin sesamum due to the small size of most sesamoids, especially the sesame seeds) are a type of bone found in the human body. They are small, round bones embedded in tendons and are most commonly found 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 largest and most well-known sesamoid bones are the patellae, which are embedded in the quadriceps tendons of the knees.
Types
There are several types of sesamoid bones in the human body. These include the patellae, the pisiform bones in the wrists, and the two sesamoid bones found in the metatarsophalangeal joints of the feet.
Related Terms
- Patella: The kneecap, a large sesamoid bone in the quadriceps tendon.
- Pisiform bone: A small sesamoid bone in the wrist.
- Metatarsophalangeal joint: The joint at the base of a toe, which contains two sesamoid bones.
- Tendon: A flexible but inelastic cord of strong fibrous collagen tissue attaching a muscle to a bone.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sesamoid bones
- Wikipedia's article - Sesamoid bones
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