Which bones are small, rounded, found next to joints and covered with cartilage or ligaments?

Sesamoid bones are indeed small, rounded bones that are typically found embedded within tendons and located next to joints. Their primary function is to facilitate movement and reduce friction in joint areas, acting as a fulcrum to assist in the leverage of muscles. These bones are often covered with cartilage, which helps cushion the joint surface and allow for smooth movement.

An example of a common sesamoid bone is the patella, or kneecap, which is found at the knee joint. In general, sesamoid bones help improve the mechanical advantage of muscles that act on the joints near which they are located. This unique structural feature makes sesamoid bones distinct from flat bones, long bones, and irregular bones, all of which serve different roles in the skeletal system.