Anatomy of the Femur

Bones of the Pelvic Girdle and Lower Limbs

• The longest and strongest bone in the body is the femur.
• The head of the femur articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.
• The two bony projections beyond the neck of the femur are the greater and lesser trochanters.
• The ilium, ischium, and pubis bones fuse to become one bone in the pelvic girdle.
• The joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum is a ball-and-socket joint.
• The gluteal ridge on the femur serves as a site for muscle insertions.
• The incomplete, horseshoe-shaped surface along the rim of the acetabulum is called the lunate surface.
• The posterior half of the pelvic girdle is joined together by the sacrum.
• The ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur and the acetabulum is called the hip joint.
• The ischium bone in the pelvic girdle is characterized by the presence of the greater and lesser sciatic notches.

Prepare for your ESS 220 Exam #3 with this review covering the anatomy of the femur. Understand the structure and function of the longest and strongest bone in the body, including its articulations, trochanters, and muscle insertions. Get ready to ace your exam by reviewing this essential information.