Bone surface descriptors (form) also give us clues to their function.
Depressions and/or openings allow the passage/formation of soft tissue.
- fissure: narrow slit/groove/cleft as a passageway for vessels/nerves.
- foramen: opening (hole-like) allowing a passageway for vessels/nerves/ligaments.
- fossa: shallow depression/trench.
- fovea: rounded depression.
- sulcus: furrow or linear groove along a bone accomodating vessels/nerves/tendons.
- meatus: tubelike opening/passageway.
- notch: indentation.
- sinus: cavity/space.
Processes which are prominent projections/outgrowths (something sticking out) allowing formation of joints or attachment points for soft tissue.
Joint Processes:
- condyle: large, round protuberance/process at end of bone for articulation.
- facet: smooth, flat articular surface.
- head: rounded articular projection supported on the neck (narrow portion) of bone; enlargement at end of bone.
Attachment Processes:
- crest: prominent ridge/long projection on bone.
- epicondyle: smaller condyle/process/projection above (“epi”) the condyle.
- line (linea): long narrow ridge/long projection that not as severe/distinguished as a crest.
- ramus: a large/substantial mass of bone protruding from a body
- spinous processes: sharp slender projection.
- trochanter: large, blunt process/projection.
- tubercle: small, knob-like process/projection.
- tuberosity: large, rounded, typically rough-like projection.
Reference
Bliven, K. (2014, May 29). KINE 5003: Functional anatomy, terminology [PDF].
Jenkins, G., & Tortora, G. J. (2012). Anatomy and Physiology: From Science to Life, 3rd Edition International Stu. John Wiley & Sons.
