sesamoid bone
Tendon-embedded skeletal piece
A sesamoid bone is a small, rounded bone embedded within a tendon where it passes over a joint.
These bones protect tendons from wear and improve mechanical leverage by holding the tendon slightly away from the joint's center.
The kneecap is the largest and most familiar sesamoid bone, though smaller ones occur in the hands and feet.
The sesamoid bones beneath my big toe were inflamed from running.
Triangular bone covering knee
- kneecapBone shielding leg joint
- halluxFoot's innermost digit
- phalangesBones of fingers, toes
- ossificationConversion to bone tissue
cartilage · hyaline · fibrocartilage · tendon · ligament · synovial · joint · articulation
Borrowed capital for amplified returns
- pulleyGrooved wheel for rope
- fulcrumLever's balance point
- mechanical advantageForce output over input
- forceStrength or compulsion
friction · load · tension · stress · strain · compression · torque · pivot
Guarding against harm
- shock absorptionDissipating kinetic energy gradually
- weight-bearingSupporting physical mass
- cushioningSoftening force or fall
- articulationClear vocal expression
patella
Triangular bone covering knee
ossification · cartilage · hyaline · fibrocartilage · tendon · ligament · synovial · joint · articulation · embedded
leverage
Borrowed capital for amplified returns
- pulleyGrooved wheel for rope
- fulcrumLever's balance point
- mechanical advantageForce output over input
force · friction · load · tension · stress · strain · compression · torque · pivot · efficiency
protection
Guarding against harm
- shock absorptionDissipating kinetic energy gradually
- weight-bearingSupporting physical mass
- cushioningSoftening force or fall
- bone anatomyepiphysis, periosteum, medullary cavity, condyle, tubercle
- sesamoidspatella, kneecap
- digit anatomyfinger, thumb, toe, phalanx, phalanges
- metapodialsmetacarpal, metatarsal, metacarpals, metatarsals