Sesamoid
Updates to Article Attributes
Sesamoids (or sesamoid bones) are focal areas of ossification within tendons as they pass over joints 1. They can also occur in ligaments and usually measure a few millimeters in diameter. Their function is purported to be to alter the direction of the tendon and modify pressure, thereby reducing friction 3.
Some sesamoids form part of normal human anatomy (e.g. patella), while others are normal anatomical variants (e.g. fabella).
Sesamoid bones of the lower limb include:
See the article on ossicles of the lower limb.
Sesamoid bones of the upper limb are usually found in the hand at the following joints 2:
- 1st metacarpophalangeal joint sesamoid (two)
- 1st interphalangeal joint sesamoid
- 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint sesamoid
- 5th metacarpophalangeal joint sesamoid
Sesamoid ossicles can also form in the nuchal ligament.
History and etymology
Sesamoids get their name because the smallest bones resemble sesame seeds in size 1,3.
-<p><strong>Sesamoids</strong> (or <strong>sesamoid bones</strong>) are focal areas of ossification within <a href="/articles/tendons">tendons</a> as they pass over joints <sup>1</sup>. They can also occur in <a href="/articles/ligaments">ligaments</a> and usually measure a few millimeters in diameter. Their function is purported to be to alter the direction of the tendon and modify pressure, thereby reducing friction <sup>3</sup>. </p><p>Some sesamoids form part of normal human anatomy (e.g. <a href="/articles/patella">patella</a>), while others are normal anatomical variants (e.g. <a href="/articles/fabella">fabella</a>). </p><p>Sesamoid bones of the lower limb include:</p><ul>- +<p><strong>Sesamoids</strong> (or <strong>sesamoid bones</strong>) are focal areas of ossification within <a href="/articles/tendons">tendons</a> as they pass over joints <sup>1</sup>. They can also occur in <a href="/articles/ligaments">ligaments</a> and usually measure a few millimeters in diameter. Their function is purported to be to alter the direction of the tendon and modify pressure, thereby reducing friction <sup>3</sup>. </p><p>Some sesamoids form part of normal human anatomy (e.g. <a href="/articles/patella">patella</a>), while others are <a title="Normal anatomical variants" href="/articles/anatomical-variants">normal anatomical variants</a> (e.g. <a href="/articles/fabella">fabella</a>). </p><p>Sesamoid bones of the lower limb include:</p><ul>
-<li><a href="/articles/interphalangeal-joint-sesamoid-hand">1<sup>st</sup> interphalangeal joint sesamoid </a></li>- +<li><a href="/articles/interphalangeal-joint-sesamoid-hand-1">1<sup>st</sup> interphalangeal joint sesamoid </a></li>
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