Sports Med - Bone Markings

Articulation

Where two bone surfaces come together (articulus = articulation = “joint”)

Projection

An area of bone that projects above the surface of the bone

Attachment points for tendons and ligaments

Hole

An opening or groove in the bone that allows blood vessels and nerves to enter the bone

Head

Prominent rounded surface

Usually rounded articular surface supported by a “neck”

Facet

Flat surface

Smooth, flat articular surface

Condyle

Rounded surface

Round, knuckle-like articular protuberance

Projections

Raised markings

Protuberance

Protruding

Process

Prominence feature

Outgrowth of bone from a larger body

Spine

Sharp process

Sharp, slender projection

Tubercle

Small, rounded process

Rounded, knob-like projection

Tuberosity

Rough, bumpy surface

Large, rounded projection with a rough surface

Line

Slight, elongated ridge

Narrow ridge that’s less prominent than a crest

Crest

Prominent ridge

Holes

Holes and depressions

Fossa

Elongated basin

Shallow depression

Fovea

Small pit

Sulcus

Groove or furrow

Canal

Passage in bone

Fissure

Slit-like opening through bone

Foramen

Hole through bone

Meatus

Opening through canal

Tube-like passageway

Sinus

Air-filled cavity in bone