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
Mylohyoid muscle Mylohyoid muscle The mylohyoid muscle is a paired muscle running from the mandible to the hyoid bone, forming the floor of the oral cavity of the mouth. It is named after its two attachments near the molar teeth (""mylo"" comes from the Greek word for "molar"). These muscles are mesodermal in embryologic origin. The mylohyoid muscle is derived from the first pharyngeal arch. The mylohyoid muscle is flat and triangular, and is situated immediately superior to the anterior belly of the digastric muscle. It is a pharyngeal muscle (derived from the first pharyngeal arch) and classified as one of the