Skeletal System (Terminologies and Landmarks)

Condyle

Rounded knobs that form articulations with other bones.

Epicondyle

Bony area on or above the condyle that serves as an area for a muscle or ligament attachment.

Process

Projection from the bone.

Protuberance

Similar to process, are swelling, bulging or protruding parts of bone.

Tubercle

A small rounded prominence, often a site of tendon or ligament attachment.

Tuberosity

Larger, found in varying shapes and often rough in texture.

Trochanter

Very large, blunt, irregularly shaped process.

Spine/Spinous process

Sharp, slender projection of the bone.

Linea (line)

Subtle, long, and narrow impression which distinguishes itself in elevation, color, or texture from surrounding tissues.

Facet

Flat smooth area of the bone.

Crest

Prominent, raised edges of a bone.

Ridges

Linear elevations, margins, or borders of a bone.

Foramina (singular: foramen)

Holes or openings in a bone, usually through which nerves and blood vessels pass.

Fissures

Open slits, grooves, or depression in a bone, often housing nerves and blood vessels.

Meatus

Short- tube-like channel opening into a canal.

Fossa

Broad and shallow pit in a bone that may support brain structures, or receive another articulation bone.

Fovea

Refers to a pit or depression, similar to fossa, but generally much smaller.

Notches

Indentations at the edge of a structure, like a clef.

Sulcus

Referring to bones, very often referred to as grooves.

Sinus

Cavity or hallow space.