Bone Markings

Process

any bony prominence

Trochanter

very large, blunt, and irregularly shaped (only examples are on the femur)

Tuberosity

large rounded projection, may be roughened, attachment site for skeletal muscles

Tubercle

small rounded projection or process

Crest

narrow ridge of bone, usually prominent

Line

narrow ridge of bone, less prominent than crest

Epicondyle

raised area on/above a condyle

Spine

sharp, slender, and often pointed

Head

bony expansion carried on a narrow neck

Facet

smooth, nearly flat articular surface

Condyle

rounded articular projection (usually articulates with a corresponding fossa)

Foramen

round/oval opening through a bone

Groove

a furrow

Fissure

narrow, slit-like opening

Notch

indentation at the edge of a structure

Fossa

shallow, basin-like depression in a bone, often serving as an articular surface

Meatus

canal-like passageway

Sinus

cavity within a bone, filled with air and lined with mucous membrane

Fovea

cup-shaped depression in a bone