Sesamoid
Updates to Article Attributes
Sesamoids (or, also known as sesamoid bones) are, 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)
- reported incidence of 100% 4
- 1st interphalangeal joint sesamoid
- 2nd metacarpophalangeal joint sesamoid
- 5th metacarpophalangeal joint sesamoid
Less commonly, they may also occur at the 3rd and 4th metacarpophalangeal joints 4.
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 <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>- +<p><strong>Sesamoids</strong>, also known as <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 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>
-<a href="/articles/1st-metacarpophalangeal-joint-sesamoid">1<sup>st</sup> metacarpophalangeal joint sesamoid</a> (two)</li>- +<a href="/articles/1st-metacarpophalangeal-joint-sesamoid">1<sup>st</sup> metacarpophalangeal joint sesamoid</a> (two)<ul><li>reported incidence of 100% <sup>4</sup>
- +</li></ul>
- +</li>
-</ul><p><a href="/articles/sesamoid-ossicles-of-the-nuchal-ligament">Sesamoid ossicles</a> can also form in the <a href="/articles/nuchal-ligament">nuchal ligament</a>. </p><h4>History and etymology</h4><p>Sesamoids get their name because the smallest bones resemble <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame">sesame seeds</a> in size <sup>1,3</sup>.</p>- +</ul><p>Less commonly, they may also occur at the 3<sup>rd</sup> and 4<sup>th</sup> metacarpophalangeal joints <sup>4</sup>.</p><p><a href="/articles/sesamoid-ossicles-of-the-nuchal-ligament">Sesamoid ossicles</a> can also form in the <a href="/articles/nuchal-ligament">nuchal ligament</a>. </p><h4>History and etymology</h4><p>Sesamoids get their name because the smallest bones resemble <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesame">sesame seeds</a> in size <sup>1,3</sup>.</p>
References changed:
- 4. Chen W, Cheng J, Sun R, Zhang Z, Zhu Y, Ipaktchi K, Zhang Y. Prevalence and variation of sesamoid bones in the hand: a multi-center radiographic study. (2015) International journal of clinical and experimental medicine. 8 (7): 11721-6. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26380010">Pubmed</a> <span class="ref_v4"></span>
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