Structure
The sesamoid bones of the foot are the pair of small, oval, nodule-like bones found along the plantar aspect of the great toe. The two distal tendons of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle each contain one of these sesamoid bones.
In some individuals, other sesamoid bones within the foot may be found at the metatarsophalangeal joints of the second and third toes.
Related parts of the anatomy
Anatomical Relations
The sesamoid bones of the foot are located inferior to the first metatarsophalangeal joint, within the tendons of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle. The tendon of the flexor hallucis longus muscle travels between the sesamoid bones.
Function
In general, sesamoid bones are those found embedded in tendons and joint capsules. Their functions are to:
- strengthen a tendon;
- adjust the line of pull of a muscle;
- reduces friction between its tendon and adjacent bones.
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Sesamoid Bone
A sesamoid bone is defined as a bone that is embedded within a tendon and typically occurs in a location where a tendon passes over a joint.
