Feature of Bones
Descriptions and Examples, Head to Toe
Martini’s 8th: p 187
The following terms will be used to describe and name features of bones which you are about to learn. Familiarize yourself with the list first, then learn the terms as you learn the bones of the body and the names and function of their features. I have listed example features starting with the skull and working down to the femur.
Meatus canal-like passage way
temporal bone: ext auditory meatus
Process a projection from a bone
temporal bone: zygomatic process
Fissure narrow slit-like opening
orbit: superior & inferior fissures
Sinus cavity within a bone, air & mucousmembranefacial sinuses
frontal and maxillary sinuses ethmoid sinuses
Foramen round opening through bone
foramen magnum
Ramus arm-like extension of bone
mandibular ramus
Condyle rounded knuckle like articular surface
mandibular condyle, femur: distal
Fossa shallow depression, often articular
temporal: mandibular fossa
Tubercle small rounded projection
humerus: greater & lesser
Groove furrow
humerus: intertubercular groove
Head rounded expansion, carried on neck
humerus: proximal end
Tuberosity large rounded projection
humerus: deltoid tuberosity
Epicondyle elevated area on or above condyle
humerus: lateral & medial
Facet smooth, nearly flat articular surface
vertebral facets
Crest prominent narrow ridge
os coxa: iliac crest
Spine sharp, slender pointed projection
os coxa: anterior sup. iliac spines
Trochanter large, blunt process
femur: proximal end
Line narrow low ridge
femur: linea aspera
David Fankhauser 