sesamoid
/'sesəmɔid/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A small, round, nodular bone embedded within a tendon: A sesamoid is a type of bone that develops within a tendon, typically where the tendon passes over a joint. Its primary function is to protect the tendon and improve its mechanical efficiency by altering the angle of muscle pull.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The patella, or kneecap, is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body.
- Sesamoid bones in the foot can sometimes become inflamed, causing pain.
- The surgeon identified a fractured sesamoid on the X-ray.
Advanced Usage
"Sesamoid bone": The full anatomical term, often used interchangeably with "sesamoid" in medical contexts.
- Sesamoid bones act like pulleys, providing a smooth surface for tendons to slide over.
"Sesamoiditis": A medical condition referring to the inflammation of the sesamoid bones and/or the surrounding tendons.
- The runner was diagnosed with sesamoiditis after complaining of persistent ball-of-foot pain.
Variants and Related Words
- Sesamoidal / Sesamoid (adj): Pertaining to or resembling a sesamoid bone.
- The radiologist noted a sesamoidal structure near the joint.
Synonyms
- Ossicle: A general term for a small bone, which can include sesamoids.
- Nodular bone: Descriptive term highlighting its shape.
Related Phrases and Terms
- "Fabella": A specific sesamoid bone sometimes found in the tendon of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle behind the knee.
- "Accessory bone": A broader category that includes sesamoids and other supernumerary bones not typically present in all individuals.
Noun
- any of several small round bones formed in a tendon where it passes over a joint