Question

What is a Sesamoid bone? Give an example.

Answer 1

sesamoid bone

Etymology: Gk, sesamon, sesame, eidos, form

any one of numerous small round bony masses embedded in certain tendons that may be subjected to compression and tension. The largest sesamoid bone is the patella, which is embedded in the tendon of the quadriceps femoris at the knee.

Sesamoid bones are small more or less rounded masses embedded in certain tendons and usually related to joint surfaces. Their functions probably are to modify pressure, to diminish friction, and occasionally to alter the direction of a muscle pull.
In the knee—the patella (within the quadriceps tendon). ...

In the hand—two sesamoid bones are commonly found in the distal portions of the first metacarpal bone (within the tendons of adductor pollicis and flexor pollicis brevis).

Answer 2

Sesamoid bone

Explanation:

• The bones which are implanted in the tendons, it is called as a sesamoid bone.
• They are called so due to their shape which resembles the seed of the sesame.
• They are mostly involved in joining the tendons and joints which are located far from each other.
• The bones called patella in the leg and fusiform in the hand are the well-known example of sesamoid bones.