Bony Markings & Bone Surface Terms

Process

any projection or bump sticking out from a bone

Condyle

smooth, rounded projection that usually forms part of a joint

Epicondyle

projection located above or near a condyle; often for muscle/ligament attachment

Head

rounded end of a bone, usually on a narrower neck

Neck

narrowed area connecting the head to the rest of the bone

Facet

small, smooth, flat articular surface

Trochanter

very large blunt projection; found only on the femur

Tubercle

small rounded projection

Tuberosity

larger, roughened projection

Crest

prominent ridge of bone

Line

low, narrow ridge; less prominent than a crest

Spine

sharp, slender projection

Styloid process

long, thin, pointed projection

Malleolus

rounded projection at the ankle

Ramus

branch-like extension of a bone

Fossa

shallow depression or hollow

Sulcus / groove

long, narrow depression

Notch

indentation along the edge of a bone

Foramen

hole/opening through a bone

Fissure

narrow slit-like opening

Canal

tunnel-like passage through bone

Meatus

canal-like opening/passage

Sinus

air-filled cavity inside a bone

Alveolus

socket or cavity, such as a tooth socket