Common Bone Features

General Description Anatomical Term Definition

Crest A narrow, prominent ridge of bone

Epicondyle An eminence on or superior to a condyle

Line A linear elevation, less prominent than a crest

Process Any bony prominence

Projections formed where tendons and ligaments

attach Protuberance A projection of bone

A projecting "spine like" part; sharp, slender

Spine
and usually pointed

A large, rough, irregularly shaped, blunt

Trochanter
projection

A small, sometimes rough, rounded, blunt

Tuberocity
projection
 Tubercle A small, smooth eminence

Capitulum A small round articular head

Condyle A smooth, rounded articular process

Facet A small, smooth, flat articular surface

Projections formed where bones articulate with The expanded articular surface of an
Head
each other epiphysis.

Malleolus A rounded process

Ramus An armlike bar of bone

Trochlea A spool like articular process, acts like a pulley

Fissure A narrow, slit-like opening

Depressions and grooves formed for the passage of
vessels and nerves
A round, sometimes oval opening through
Foramen
bone
 Notch An indentation at the edge of a bone structure

A shallow depression in bone, sometimes

Fossa
serving as an articular surface

Other bone markings

Meatus A canal-like passageway in bone

Sinus A mucous lined cavity in bone, filled with air