Bone anatomy of the femur
Head of the femur
Most superior portion of the femur bone. Articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.
Supracondylar lines of the femur
There are a lateral and medial supracondylar line that extend from the linea aspera as it approaches the distal end of the femur. These connect to each of their respective condyles, and form the base of the popliteal fossa.
Intertrochanteric crest
Boney crest projection connecting the greater and lesser trochanter on the posterior aspect of the femur. Site of muscle attachment
Intertrochanteric line
Boney line connecting the greater and lesser trochanter on the anterior aspect of the femur. Site of muscle and ligament attachments
Pectineal line
Boney line of the poserior aspect of the femur. Site of distal attachment of the pectineus. Joints with the gluteal tuberosit to form the linea aspera
Gluteal tuberosity
Boney line on the posterior aspect of the femur. Attachment of the gluteal muscles occurs here.
Lesser trochanter
Boney projection on the proximal end of the femur. It is on the medial side of the femur shaft.
Greater trochanter
Boney projection on the superior lateral end of the femur lateral to the head.
Neck of the femur
Connection between head and shaft of the femur.
Fovea
Indentation at the end of the head of the femur. Attachment of the "Ligament of the head of the femur, occurs here.
Linea aspera
Line running down the posterior aspect of the femur. Formed by connections from the gluteal tuberosity and pectineal line.
Lateral and medial epicondyles of the femur
These are the roughened edges superior to the femoral condyles. These are sites of ligament attachments of the knee joint.
lateral condyle of the femur
This is a smaller boney surface on the lateral side of the distal femur. Both of the condyles have rounded surfaces posteriorly that flatten out as they project anteriorly. They connect anteriorly where the articulate with the patella.
Intercondylar fossa of the femur
This is the space between the condyles on the posterior aspect of the distal femur. This houses the attachment of the intracapsular cruciate ligaments.
Medial condyle of the femur
This the large boney eminence on the medial side of the distal femur. It articulates with the tibial plateau. It is larger than the lateral condyle due to weight distribution.