Terms Used to Describe Bone Markings

Question 1

Angle

Answer 1

A corner

Question 2

Body

Answer 2

The main portion of a bone

Question 3

Border

Answer 3

Edge of a bone

Question 4

Condyle

Answer 4

Rounded bump; usually fits into a fossa on another bone to form a joint

Question 5

Crest

Answer 5

Moderately raised ridge; generally a site for muscle attachment

Question 6

Epicondyle

Answer 6

Bump near a condyle; often gives the appearance of a “bump on a bump”;
For muscle attachment

Question 7

Facet

Answer 7

Flat surface that forms a joint with another facet or flat bone

Question 8

Fissure

Answer 8

Long, crackle hole for blood vessels and nerves

Question 9

Foremen

Answer 9

Round hole for vessels and nerves

Question 10

Fossa

Answer 10

Depression; often receives an articulating bone

Question 11

Head

Answer 11

Distinct epiphysis on a long bone, separated from the shaft by a narrowed portion (or neck)

Question 12

Line

Answer 12

Similar to a crest but not raised as much (is often rather faint)

Question 13

Margin

Answer 13

Edge of a flat bone or flat portion of the edge of a flat area.

Question 14

Meatus

Answer 14

Tubelike opening or channel

Question 15

Neck

Answer 15

A narrowed portion, usually at the base of a head.

Question 16

Notch

Answer 16

A V-like depression in the margin or edge of a flat area.

Question 17

Process

Answer 17

A raised area or projection

Question 18

Ramus

Answer 18

Curved portion of a bone, like a ram’s horn.

Question 19

Sinus

Answer 19

Cavity within a bone

Question 20

Spine

Answer 20

Similar to a crest but raised more; a sharp, pointed process; for muscle attachment.

Question 21

Sulcus

Answer 21

Groove or elongated depression.

Question 22

Trochanter

Answer 22

Large bump for muscle attachment (larger than a tubercle or tuberosity).

Question 23

Tubersotity

Answer 23

Oblong, raised bump, usually for muscle attachment; also called a tuber; a small tuberosity is called a tubercle.