SESAMOID BONE Meaning and
Definition
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A sesamoid bone is a type of bone that is embedded within a tendon or muscle, typically acting as a protector or enhancer of mechanical forces. It is usually small, some even measuring only a few millimeters in diameter, and has a rounded or oval shape. The term "sesamoid" is derived from the Latin word "sesamum," meaning "sesame seed," due to their small size and their resemblance to these seeds.
Sesamoid bones are commonly found in locations where tendons pass over joints, providing support and reducing friction. One of the most well-known examples of a sesamoid bone is the patella or kneecap, which acts as a fulcrum to increase the mechanical advantage of the quadriceps muscle during movement. However, sesamoid bones can also be found in other areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, and even in the neck.
These bones serve various functions, including stabilizing joints, protecting tendons from excessive wear and tear, and improving the leverage of muscles by altering the angle at which they act. Additionally, sesamoid bones can help distribute forces more evenly throughout the body, reducing stress on other bones and soft tissues.
It is important to note that not all individuals have sesamoid bones in every location where they are typically found. The presence, number, and size of sesamoid bones can vary among individuals due to genetic factors and anatomical variation.
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• A b. formed in a tendon where it passes over a joint.
• An oval nodule of bone or fibrocartilage in a tendon playing over a joint surface; most common in the metacarpo-and metatarso-phalan-geal articulations and other joints of the fingers and toes; the patella is a sesamoid bone, the largest in the body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SESAMOID BONE
- aesamoid bone
- zesamoid bone
- xesamoid bone
- desamoid bone
- eesamoid bone
- wesamoid bone
- swsamoid bone
- sssamoid bone
- sdsamoid bone
- srsamoid bone
- s4samoid bone
- s3samoid bone
- seaamoid bone
- sezamoid bone
- sexamoid bone
- sedamoid bone
- seeamoid bone
- sewamoid bone
- seszmoid bone
Etymology of SESAMOID BONE
The word sesamoid comes from the Latin term sesamum, which means sesame seed. It is derived from the Greek word sesamon, referring to the same. In anatomy, the term sesamoid is used to describe certain bones that resemble sesame seeds in shape and size, hence the connection to the word sesame.
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