What type of bone is the patella classified as?

The patella is classified as a sesamoid bone because it is embedded within a tendon, specifically the quadriceps tendon. Sesamoid bones serve several purposes, including protecting tendons from stress and wear, improving the mechanical advantage of muscles by altering the direction of the force exerted by a tendon, and providing stability to joints.

The patella helps in the extension of the knee by acting as a fulcrum, increasing the leverage the quadriceps can exert during leg movements. This unique positioning and function differentiate sesamoid bones from flat, long, or short bones, which have distinct structural and functional roles in the skeletal system.