Characteristics of Bones

Articulation

The region where adjacent bones from a joint

Articular process

A bulge that contacts an adjacent bone near a joint

Canal

A wide foramen that is usually a passage for larger blood vessels and nerves

Condyle

A large and rounded articular process, which is usually covered with cartilage

Cornu

A small, horn shaped protrusion that attaches to ligament or tendon

Crest

A large ridge where muscles attach

Diaphysis or shaft

The long, main body of a bone

Eminence

A small bump where muscles attach

Epicondyle

A bulge near a condyle where ligaments and tendons attach

Facet

A small, smooth articular surface usual;ly covered with cartilage

Foramen

An opening through a bone where a small blood vessel or nerve passes into the bone

Fossa

A wide and shallow indention formed by a muscle or nerve pressed against the bone

Hamulus

A small, hooked protrusion that attaches to ligament or tendon

Head

The proximal or distal articular end of a bone, usually covered by cartilage

Line or ridge

A long, thin bulge, usually having a rough surface that attaches to muscle

Malleoulus

A hammer shaped knob on the end of a bone that attaches to ligament and tendon

Meatus

A short canal with a variety of purposes

Neck

A region of bone between the head and the shaft

Process

A large bulge that serves as a muscle attachment

Sinus

A cavity within a cranial or facial bone

Spine

A long, narrow projection for muscle attachment

Sulcus

A long furrow formed by a muscle or nerve pressed against the bone

Suture

A ridged articular surface attached to other bones of the skull by fibrous connective tissue

Tuberosity

A large, irregularly shaped bump that attaches to ligament and tendon

Tubercle

A small, irregularly shaped bump that is generally smaller than a tuberosity and attaches to ligament and tendon

Trochanter

A large, ridged tuberosity that attaches to ligaments and tendons