Bone Markings Terminology

trochanter

-large, blunt, bump-like projection that is larger than a tuberosity, which is larger than a tubercle -attaches connective tissues -EX. only one human example: the greater trochanter at the top of the femur

tuberosity

-large, rounded, oblong projection that may look like a raised bump -often sites for muscle attachment and they attach connective tissue -EX. the deltoid tuberosity of the humerus

fissure

-long, crack-line hole for blood vessels and nerves -channel-like cleft or crack -EX. the typanomastoid fissure separates the tympanic portion of the temporal bone and the mastoid portion of the temporal bone

crest

-moderately raised and therefore prominent border or ridge -often sites for muscle attachment -attaches connective tissues -EX. the iliac crest of the ilium (part of the hip)

foramen

-round hole through which blood vessels, nerves, or ligaments pass -Ex. the foramen magnum of the occipital bone at the base of the skull

condyle

-rounded bump or large rounded prominence -forms joints -EX. the medial condyle of the femur

diaphysis

-shaft or the main section of a long bone -EX. the long straight sections of the humerus, fibula, tibia, and femur

spinous process

-similar to the crest but raised higher -a sharp, pointed, slender projection that is often a site for muscle attachment and attaches connective tissues -EX. the spinosus process of vertebrae which together form the spine

tubercle

-small tuberosity that may also be described as a round nodule or warty outgrowth -attaches connective tissues and can also form articular surfaces -EX. the non-articular part of each rib tubercle attaches to the ligament of the tubercle

epiphysis

-the end of a part of a long bone which usually has a larger diameter than the shaft part -the ends of long bones -EX. the proximal epiphysis and the distal epiphysis of the humerus

notch

-a V-like depression in the margin of a flat area that is an articulary surface -EX. the radial notch of the ulna is a narrow, oblong, articular depression; articulates with the head of the radius

process

-a raised area for protection that attaches connective tissues -EX. vertebrae have transverse process(es) that are more pronounced towards the bottom of the spine

head

-a rounded projection that forms part of a joint and is separated narrowly from the shaft of the bone -forms joints -EX. head of the femur at the top of the femur

neck

-a section of bone between the head and the shaft of the bone -a narrowed portion usually located at the base of the head of the bone -EX. the neck of the femur below the top of the femur

fossa

-a shallow depression -such depressions in the surface of bones often receive another articulating bone and forms a joint -EX. the mandibular fossa of the temporal bone, forming part of the skull behind the ears

facet

-a smooth flat articular surface and such flat surfaces may form a joint with another flat bone -the purpose of these are to form joints -EX. facets of the spinal vertabrae

epicondyle

-bump near a condyle -often gives the appearance of a "bump on a bump" -used for muscle attachment and to attach connective tissues -EX. the medial epicondyle of the humerus, which is larger and more prominent than the lateral epicondyle

ramus

-curved portion of the bone, like a ram's horn -EX. the inferior pubic ramus and the superior pubic ramus are features of the lower part of the pelvis bone