Bio Lab (162): Anatomical Structures

Head

the prominent expanded end of a bone (usually rounded)

Shaft

the long middle portion of a bone

Crest

a narrow ridge

Line

a narrow raised area, smaller than a crest

Process

a bony projection

Condyle

a smooth rounded projection that articulates with another bone. Condyles have small round projections just above them called epicondyles

Trochanter

a very large, rough-looking process found only on the femur

Spine

a narrow or sharp process. Spines can be pointed structures, or they can be more like tall, very narrow ridges

Tubercle

a small rounded process

Fossa

a shallow depression

Tuberosity

a rough area or surface on a bone where a muscle attaches

Sulcus

a groove that allows a nerve or blood vessel to pass. This term can apply to more than just bones. For example, the outer surface of the brain has peaks and valleys. The valleys are also called sucli.

Foramen

a round hole through a bone that allows nerves and blood vessels through

Canal

a canal or tunnel through a bone

Meatus

also a canal or tunnel through a bone. The external acoustic meatus is the tunnel through your skull that transmits sounds to your ear.

Fissure

A narrow slit through a bone