Anatomy of the Femur Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the head of the femur?

The rounded proximal end of the femur that articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.

What is the fovea capitis?

A small pit located on the head of the femur, which serves as the attachment site for the ligamentum teres.

What is the neck of the femur?

The region just below the head of the femur that connects it to the shaft.

What is the greater trochanter?

A large, prominent projection on the femur that serves as a muscle attachment point. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lesser trochanter?

A smaller projection on the femur located below the neck that serves as a muscle attachment point. Signup and view all the answers

What is the gluteal tuberosity?

A roughened area on the posterior surface of the femur for the attachment of the gluteus maximus muscle. Signup and view all the answers

What is the linea aspera?

A prominent longitudinal ridge on the posterior aspect of the femur, serving as an attachment for muscles. Signup and view all the answers

What is the femur?

The thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the human body. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lateral epicondyle?

A bony prominence on the outer side of the distal femur that serves as an attachment for ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the patellar groove?

The depression on the anterior aspect of the femur that articulates with the patella. Signup and view all the answers

What is the medial epicondyle?

A bony prominence on the inner side of the distal femur, serving as an attachment for ligaments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the intercondylar fossa?

A deep notch located between the medial and lateral condyles of the femur. Signup and view all the answers

What is the medial condyle?

The rounded part of the distal femur on the inner side that articulates with the tibia. Signup and view all the answers

What is the lateral condyle?

The rounded part of the distal femur on the outer side that articulates with the tibia. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Femur Anatomy Overview

The Head of Femur articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis, forming the hip joint, and is spherical in shape.
The Fovea Capitis is a small depression on the head of the femur that serves as the attachment point for the ligamentum teres, which helps stabilize the hip joint.
The Neck of Femur connects the head to the shaft and is a common site for fractures, especially in the elderly.

Trochanters and Projections

The Greater Trochanter is a large, protruding bony prominence on the femur, providing muscle attachment for the gluteal muscles and hip rotators.
The Lesser Trochanter is smaller and located on the medial side of the femur, serving as an attachment site for the iliopsoas muscle, which plays a key role in hip flexion.
Gluteal Tuberosity is located on the posterior side of the femur, serving as an attachment for the gluteus maximus muscle, important for hip extension.

Femur Shaft Characteristics

Linea Aspera is a prominent ridge along the posterior aspect of the femur that provides attachment for various muscles and holds the shaft together, enhancing stability.
The Femur is the longest bone in the human body, crucial for supporting body weight and facilitating movement.

Distal Femur Features

Lateral Epicondyle is a bony projection on the outer side of the distal femur, providing attachment for ligaments and muscles.
The Patellar Groove (or patellar surface) enables the knee cap (patella) to glide during movement and protects the knee joint.
Medial Epicondyle is similar to the lateral epicondyle but located on the inner side, serving as another attachment site for ligaments.

Joint and Condyles

Intercondylar Fossa is a deep notch between the medial and lateral condyles, facilitating the attachment of cruciate ligaments that stabilize the knee.
The Medial Condyle is one of the two rounded ends at the distal femur that articulates with the tibia, playing a vital role in weight-bearing and knee motion.
The Lateral Condyle, paired with the medial condyle, also articulates with the tibia, assisting in knee stability and movement.

Description

Test your knowledge on the anatomy of the femur with these flashcards. Each card covers a key part of the femur, providing definitions and functions. Perfect for students studying human anatomy or preparing for exams.