Palpable Anatomical Landmarks & Key Pulse Points

Spinous Process (C7–L5)

Midline vertebral projections; landmark for spinal level, curvature assessment, and muscle attachment palpation (e.g., trapezius).

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine (ASIS)

Anterior end of iliac crest; measures leg length, origin of sartorius/inguinal ligament, evaluates pelvic tilt and gait.

Posterior Superior Iliac Spine (PSIS)

Posterior iliac crest at S2; visible back dimples, guides sacroiliac level and lumbar-puncture reference, checks pelvic symmetry.

Iliac Crest

Superior iliac border (ASIS→PSIS); L4 lumbar-puncture landmark, abdominal/back-muscle attachment, symmetry marker in scoliosis.

Pubic Symphysis / Body of Pubis

Anterior midline pelvic joint; central childbirth landmark, urogenital/bladder reference, guides gait-posture alignment.

Ischial Tuberosity

Inferior “sitting bone”; hamstring origin, pressure ulcer risk, fracture landmark—palpate side-lying with hip flexion.

Greater Trochanter

Lateral proximal femur; insertion for gluteus medius/minimus, leg-length/hip alignment marker, bursitis site in lateral hip pain.

Medial Epicondyle (Femur)

Medial distal femur; medial collateral ligament attachment, key in knee injury exams, locates adductor tubercle & pes anserine.

Lateral Epicondyle (Femur)

Lateral distal femur; lateral collateral ligament attachment, IT-band landmark, aids knee brace fitting.

Tibial Tuberosity

Anterior proximal tibia below patella; patellar-ligament insertion, tender in Osgood-Schlatter, gauges quadriceps function.

Medial Malleolus

Medial distal tibia; ankle mortise landmark, posterior tibial pulse guide, common sprain assessment site.

Head of Fibula

Proximal fibula lateral to knee; biceps femoris & FCL attachment, near common fibular nerve compression point, fracture indicator.

Lateral Malleolus

Lateral distal fibula; stabilizes ankle laterally, frequent fracture in inversion injuries, guides talofibular-ligament palpation.

Calcaneus

Heel bone; Achilles tendon insertion, first heel-strike contact, plantar-fasciitis hotspot (medial tubercle).

Navicular

Medial midfoot bone distal to talus; tibialis posterior insertion, supports medial arch, prone to stress fractures.

Manubrium

Upper sternum; articulates with clavicles & 1st ribs, central-line landmark, houses sternal angle for rib counting.

Body of Sternum

Middle sternum; CPR compression site, shields heart/vessels, attaches costal cartilages ribs 2–7.

Xiphoid Process

Inferior sternum tip; avoided in CPR, landmark for upper-abdominal procedures, diaphragm & rectus abdominis attachment.

External Occipital Protuberance

Midline posterior skull bump; nuchal ligament/trapezius attachment, cervical alignment reference, aids helmet fitting.

Popliteal Artery

Deep posterior knee vessel; distal circulation pulse, vulnerable in knee dislocations, critical in vascular assessments.

Dorsalis Pedis Artery

Foot dorsum artery lateral to EHL; monitors peripheral circulation, weak in PAD, evaluated in diabetic feet.

Posterior Tibial Artery

Artery posterior to medial malleolus; key lower-limb pulse, absence signals occlusion, tracked in diabetic neuropathy.