Bones and Markings Study Guide

Overview of Bone Markings

  • Definition: Bone markings are the knobs, bumps, holes, and depressions situated on an actual bone.
  • Functional Mobility: Bone markings may or may not articulate (move).

Terminology and Pronunciation Guide for Bone Markings

  • Acetabulum

    • Pronunciation: (ah-see-TAB-yoo-lum)
    • Definition: The socket or cavity (cotyloid) of the hipbone into which the head of the femur fits.

  • Ala

    • Pronunciation: (Ah-lah)
    • Etymology: Latin for wing.
    • Definition: Outward projections as in the transverse process of the atlas (first neck bone) and large surface of the ilium region of the hipbone.

  • Condyle

    • Pronunciation: (KON-dyl)
    • Etymology: Greek for knuckle.
    • Definition: Large articulating prominences.

  • Cotyloid

    • Pronunciation: (KOT-i-loid)
    • Definition: A cavity or deep articular depression (e.g., acetabulum).

  • Crest

    • Pronunciation: (krest)
    • Definition: A significant border or ridge.

  • Epicondyle

    • Pronunciation: (EPI-KON-dyl)
    • Definition: An eminence (protuberance) at the articular end of a long bone, above or upon the condyle.

  • Facet

    • Pronunciation: (FAS-it)
    • Etymology: French for small face.
    • Definition: Small articular surfaces covered with hyaline.

  • Fissure

    • Pronunciation: (FISH-ur)
    • Definition: A narrow opening between two bones.

  • Foramen

    • Pronunciation: (foh-Ray-men)
    • Etymology: Latin for aperture.
    • Definition: An opening or hole in a bone.

  • Fossa

    • Pronunciation: (FOS-a)
    • Etymology: Latin for cavity.
    • Definition: A depression or small hollow.

  • Fovea

    • Pronunciation: (FOH-vee-a)
    • Etymology: Latin for pit.
    • Definition: A shallow, non-articulating depression such as found in the head of the femur.

  • Head

    • Pronunciation: (hed)
    • Definition: A round articulating surface shaped like a ball.

  • Line

    • Pronunciation: (lahyn)
    • Definition: A ridge on a bone not as prominent as a crest.

  • Malleolus

    • Pronunciation: (mal-LEY-oh-lus)
    • Etymology: Latin for little hammer.
    • Definition: The projection of bone as in the distal end of the tibia.

  • Process

    • Pronunciation: (PROS-es)
    • Etymology: Latin for proceed.
    • Definition: Any prominent projection of bone as in a crest, trochanter, etc.

  • Spine

    • Pronunciation: (spahyn)
    • Etymology: Latin for thorn.
    • Definition: A slender sharp projection.

  • Trochanter

    • Pronunciation: (troh-KAN-ter)
    • Etymology: Greek for runner, runner's muscle-attachment.
    • Definition: Term used in regards to the femur bone describing various proximal processes (e.g., greater trochanter, third trochanter, and lesser trochanter).

  • Trochlea

    • Pronunciation: (TROCK-lee-a)
    • Etymology: Greek for spool.
    • Definition: A "keyed" tubular pulley-shaped articular design (e.g., trochlea of the femur).

  • Tubercle

    • Pronunciation: (TOO-ber-kuhl)
    • Etymology: Latin for knob.
    • Definition: A small rounded or rough prominence.

  • Tuberosity / Tuber

    • Pronunciation: (TOO-ber-ROS-uh-tee)
    • Definition: A large prominence.

Anatomical Diagrams and Specific Bone Features

Anatomical diagram illustrating bone markings on the humerus and scapula

  • Anatomical Structure Locations:
    • Greater tubercle or major tuberosity: Proximal prominence on the bone.
    • Head: Rounded ball-shaped surface.
    • Neck: Constricted area adjacent to the head.
    • Tricipital Line: Linear ridge feature along the shaft.
    • Deltoid tuberosity: Prominent attachment region on the shaft.
    • Radial fossa: Specific depression located above the distal articular surface.
    • Fossa: Broad depression on flat or long bone structures.
    • Spine of scapula: Sharp ridge extending across the posterior scapula surface.
    • Capitulum or Capitellum: Smooth, rounded articular process.
    • Trochlea: Pulley-shaped articular surface located distally.