Sesamoid bone Sesamoid bone In anatomy, a sesamoid bone () is a bone embedded within a tendon or a muscle. It is derived from the Latin word ("sesame seed"), due to the small size of most sesamoids. Often, these bones form in response to strain, or can be present as a normal variant. The kneecap is the largest sesamoid bone in the body. Sesamoids act like pulleys, providing a smooth surface for tendons to slide over, increasing the tendon's ability to transmit muscular forces. The sesamoid is a small nodular bone most often present embedded in tendons in the region of the
Second metacarpal bone Second metacarpal bone The second metacarpal bone (metacarpal bone of the index finger) is the longest, and its base the largest, of all the metacarpal bones. Its base is prolonged upward and medialward, forming a prominent ridge. It presents four articular facets, three on the upper surface and one on the ulnar side: The extensor carpi radialis longus muscle is inserted on the dorsal surface and the flexor carpi radialis muscle on the volar surface of the base. The shaft gives origin to the first palmar interosseus and the first and second dorsal interossei. This bone is often the most