Question

The bones of the human skeleton are classified by their shapes. How does the structure of sesamoid bones differ from that of short bones?

a) Sesamoid bones are embedded in tendons, while short bones form the skull.
b) Sesamoid bones are flat, while short bones are cube-shaped.
c) Sesamoid bones are found in the spine, while short bones are in the limbs.
d) Sesamoid bones develop within muscles, while short bones are in joints.

Answer 1

Sesamoid bones are small, round bones found in tendons that help protect tendons and improve leverage, unlike the cube-shaped short bones that provide support and stability.

Step-by-step explanation:

The bones of the human skeleton are classified into several categories based on their shapes, including long bones, short bones, flat bones, sutural bones, sesamoid bones, and irregular bones. The structure of sesamoid bones differs from that of short bones primarily in their shape and the way they are situated in the body. Sesamoid bones are small, round, and often similar in shape to a sesame seed. These bones develop in tendons—the connective tissues that link muscles to bones—where they help protect the tendons from compressive forces by improving leverage and tendon mechanical advantage, such as the patella (kneecap). In contrast, short bones like those found in the wrists and ankles are cube-shaped and provide support and stability with little to no movement.