8.14 The Femur

What are the seven surface structures found on the proximal epiphysis?

- Femoral head - Fovea capitis - Femoral neck - Greater trochanter - Lesser troachanter - Intertrochanteric line - Interochanteric crest

What are the names of the two bones that the femur articulates with?

- Hip bone - Tibia

What are the names of the two joints that the femur is involved with?

- Hip joint - Knee joint

What are the six surface structures on the distal epiphysis?

- Medial epicondyle - Lateral epicondyle - Medial condyle - Lateral condyle - Intercondylar fossa - Patellar surface

What are the three major regions that the femur can be divided into?

- Proximal epiphysis - Shaft - Distal epiphysis

What is the fovea capitis?

A small pit in the center of the femoral head

What is the function of the patellar surface?

Forms a smooth articular surface over which the patella glides

What is the function of the femoral head?

It articulates with the acetabulum of the hip bones

What is the function of the anterochanteric line?

It marks the edge of the articular capsule

What is the function of the femoral neck?

It separates the femoral head from the shaft of the femur

What is the function of the fovea capitis?

It serves as the attachment site for the ligament that connects the acetabelum to the femoral head

Is the greater trochanter considered medial or lateral when a person is in the anatomical position?

Lateral

What is a surface structure found on the shaft of the femur?

Linea aspera

Is the femoral head considered medial or lateral when a person is in the anatomical position?

Medial

Is the lesser trochanter considered medial or lateral when a person is in the anatomical position?

Medial

Where is the anterochanteric line located?

On the anterior surface of the proximal epiphysis

Where is the anterochanteric crest located?

On the posterior surface of the proximal epiphysis

What is the function of the greater and lesser trochanters?

Serve as attachment sites for large tendons

What is the function of the linea aspera?

Serves as an attachment site for the hip muscles

What are the two condyles separated by on the posterior side of the femur?

The intercondylar fossa

What are the two condyles separated by on the anterior side of the bone?

The patellar surface

What is the function of the medial and lateral condyles?

They form part of the knee joint