Classification, Markings, & Long Bones

Vocabulary flashcards covering bone classification based on shape, various bone markings, and the structures of long bones to aid in understanding skeletal anatomy.

Flat bones

Thin, flat bones that protect organs (ex: skull, sternum).

Long bones

Longer than they are wide; support weight and help movement (ex: femur, humerus).

Short bones

Small and cube-shaped; provide stability with limited movement (ex: carpals, tarsals).

Irregular bones

Odd-shaped bones with special functions (ex: vertebrae, hip bones).

Sesamoid bones

Small round bones in tendons; protect tendons from stress (ex: patella).

Facet

Small, smooth surface where bones connect.

Fossa

Shallow depression; often where another bone fits.

Fovea

Tiny pit or depression.

Groove (sulcus)

Narrow channel for blood vessels or nerves.

Canal (meatus)

Passageway/tunnel in bone (ex: ear canal).

Fissure

Narrow slit for vessels/nerves.

Foramen

Round hole for vessels/nerves (ex: foramen magnum in skull).

Condyle

Rounded knob that forms a joint.

Crest

Narrow ridge for muscle attachment.

Head

Rounded end of a bone (often fits into a socket).

Tubercle

Small bump for muscle attachment.

Tuberosity

Larger rough bump for muscle attachment.

Epicondyle

Bump above a condyle for tendon/ligament attachment.

Process

Any projection (stick-out part of bone).

Spine

Sharp, pointed projection.

Protuberance

outgrowth of a bone

Trochanter

Large projection on femur for muscle attachment.

Line

Narrow ridge, smaller than a crest.

Sinus

Air-filled cavity inside bone (ex: sinuses in skull).

Alveolus

Socket for a tooth.

Articular cartilage

Smooth covering on bone ends; reduces friction in joints.

Proximal epiphysis

End of the bone closest to the body.

Diaphysis

Shaft/middle of the bone.

Distal epiphysis

End of the bone farthest from the body.

Periosteum

Outer covering of bone; protects and anchors tendons.

Compact bone

Dense, strong outer bone layer.

Spongy bone

Porous bone inside; lighter and holds marrow.

Medullary cavity

Hollow center in long bones; contains marrow.

Endosteum

Thin lining inside bone.

Yellow bone marrow

Stores fat.

Red bone marrow

Makes blood cells.

Epiphyseal lines

"Growth plates"; show where bone grew in length.

Nutrient artery

Main blood supply to bone.

Perforating fibers

Anchor periosteum to bone.

Nutrient foramen

Hole for blood vessels to enter bone.