Patella in which type of bone?

Question

Question

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KGMU Nursing Officer 2023 Memory-Based Previous Year Paper

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Sesamoid

Rationale:

The patella, commonly referred to as the kneecap, is a sesamoid bone. Sesamoid bones are a specific type of bone that forms within tendons and are found in locations where a tendon passes over a joint. Their primary function is to protect the tendon and to improve its mechanical efficiency by modifying the direction of the muscle forces acting on the joint.
The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body and is embedded in the quadriceps tendon. It plays a vital role in the biomechanics of the knee joint by increasing the leverage of the quadriceps femoris muscle, which is essential for knee extension.
Sesamoid bones help reduce friction, prevent damage to tendons, and provide a smooth surface for tendon movement. Their presence is crucial in areas of high mechanical stress.

Explanation of Other Options:

Short Bones

Rationale: Short bones are roughly equal in length, width, and thickness. They provide support and stability with little to no movement. Examples include bones of the wrist (carpals) and ankle (tarsals). The patella is not classified as a short bone because it does not fit this shape or function.

Irregular Bones

Rationale: Irregular bones have complex shapes that do not fit into other categories such as long, short, or flat bones. Examples include the vertebrae and some facial bones. The patella is not an irregular bone because it has a specialized shape and function associated with its role as a sesamoid bone.

Accessory Bones

Rationale: Accessory bones are extra bones that develop in certain individuals, often due to variations in ossification. They are not part of the standard skeletal structure. The patella is not an accessory bone because it is a normal and essential component of the skeletal system in all individuals.

Conclusion:

The patella is classified as a sesamoid bone because it is embedded within a tendon (the quadriceps tendon) and serves to enhance the mechanical efficiency of the knee joint. Unlike short, irregular, or accessory bones, the patella has a unique structural and functional role that aligns with the characteristics of sesamoid bones.