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.