Bone Markings

Fossa

(depression) a deeper indented surface in a bone, usually allows a rounded surface of another bone to fit inside of it

Groove

(depression) a long, typically shallow depression that typically allows a nerve or blood vessel to travel along the bones surface

Facet

(depression) a shallow indented surface where two bones meet to form a joint

Fovea

(depression) a shallow pit; often the site for the attachment of a ligament

sulcus

(depression) another name for groove

Foramen

(opening) a hole in a bone through which a structure such as a nerve or blood vessel passes

Canal

(opening) a passageway through a bone

Fissure

(opening) a slit within a bone or between bones

Meatus

(opening) another name for a canal

tuberosity

(projection) a larger, prominent tubercle

Crest

(projection) a ridge along a bone; generally a site of muscle attachment

Epicondyle

(projection) a small projection usually proximal to a condyle; generally the site of muscle attachment

protuberance

(projection) an outgrowth from a bone due to repetitive pull from a muscle

process

(projection) any bony projection; generally the site of muscle attachment

trochanter

(projection) large bony projection to which muscles attach (femur, thigh bone)

line

(projection) ridge along a bone where a muscle attaches

Condyle

(projection) round end of a bone that fits into a fossa or facet of another bone at a joint

tubercle

(projection) small rounded projection where muscles attach

Head

(projection) the rounded end of the bone that fits into a fossa to form a joint