Bones of the Lower Body

This set of flashcards covers the key vocabulary and concepts related to the bones of the lower body, including identifying bones, their markings, and differences between male and female pelvis.

Os Coxae

Hip bones that make up the pelvic girdle.

Femur

The thigh bone and one of the largest bones in the body.

Tibia

The larger bone of the lower leg that supports most of the weight.

Fibula

The narrower bone of the lower leg that is easily fractured.

Pelvic Girdle

A ring of bone formed by the os coxae that supports the lower limbs.

Ilium

The uppermost region of the os coxae.

Ischium

The lower and back part of the os coxae.

Pubis

The front part of the os coxae.

Acetabulum

The socket in the os coxae that articulates with the femur.

Iliac Crest

The superior border of the ilium.

Anterior Superior Iliac Spine

A bony projection on the ilium.

Greater Sciatic Notch

A large notch in the ilium for the sciatic nerve.

Ischial Spine

A prominent spine on the ischium.

Obturator Foramen

A large opening in the os coxae.

Pubic Tubercle

A small, elevated area on the pubis.

Articulated Pelvis

The pelvis formed by the joined os coxae.

Symphysis Pubis

The cartilaginous joint where the two pubis bones meet.

Male Pelvis

Typically denser and longer with a heart-shaped pelvic inlet.

Female Pelvis

Wider and shorter with a round or oval pelvic inlet.

Patella

The kneecap, known as the largest sesamoid bone.

Tarsals

Bones of the ankle.

Metatarsals

Long bones in the foot between tarsals and phalanges.

Phalanges

The bones of the toes.

Greater Trochanter

A prominent projection on the femur for muscle attachment.

Lesser Trochanter

A smaller projection on the femur for muscle attachment.

Condyle

Rounded surfaces on the femur that articulate with the tibia.

Medial Malleolus

The bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle.

Lateral Malleolus

The bony prominence on the outer side of the ankle.

Calcaneus

The heel bone.

Talus

The ankle bone that sits above the calcaneus.

Fovea Capitis

A small pit in the head of the femur.

Intertrochanteric Line

A line connecting the greater and lesser trochanters.

Linea Aspera

A ridge on the posterior femur.

Popliteal Surface

The flat area on the posterior femur above the knee.

Adductor Tubercle

A bony prominence above the medial epicondyle of the femur.

Medial Epicondyle

A bony prominence on the inside of the femur near the knee.

Lateral Epicondyle

A bony prominence on the outside of the femur near the knee.

Intercondylar Fossa

The deep notch between the condyles of the femur.

Tibial Tuberosity

The bony prominence where the patellar ligament attaches.

Anterior Crest

The sharp ridge along the anterior surface of the tibia.

Calcaneal Tuberosity

Bony prominence at the back of the calcaneus.

Sesamoid Bone

A bone embedded within a tendon; the patella is an example.

Cartilaginous Joint

A type of joint where bones are joined by cartilage.

Amphiarthrotic Joint

A joint allowing limited movement, like the symphysis pubis.

Right vs. Left

Orientation to differentiate between the sides of bones.

Hip Joint

A ball and socket joint formed by the femur and acetabulum.