Anatomy Processes Flashcards

Study Notes

Anatomical Terms

Condyle: A rounded process, exemplified by the mandibular condyle, which articulates with other bones.
Crest: A ridge-like structure, such as the sagittal crest, which provides attachment for muscles.
Epicondyle: A projection located on a condyle; associated with conditions like medial and lateral epicondylitis of the humerus.
Facet: A small flat surface found in the facet joints of vertebrae, facilitating articulation between bones.
Fontanel: A soft spot in a baby’s skull that allows for growth of the brain and skull during development.
Foramen: A hole in a bone, such as the mental foramen, allowing the passage of nerves and blood vessels.
Fossa: A depression or pit in a bone, like the mandibular fossa, which accommodates other structures.
Fovea: A tiny fossa, such as the ulnar fovea, providing surfaces for articulation or muscle attachment.
Head: The swollen end of a bone, like the head of the femur, significant in joint formation and mobility.
Meatus: A tube or tunnel within a bone, illustrated by the acoustic meatus which transmits sound.
Process: A prominent projection from a bone, such as the transverse process, important for muscle attachment.
Sinus: A cavity located within a bone, for example, the frontal sinus, which plays a role in reducing bone weight and resonance.
Spine: A spikelike or finlike projection, as seen in the spine of the vertebrae, providing structure and support.
Suture: An interlocking connection between two bones, highlighted by the lambdoid suture connecting the parietal and occipital bones.
Trochanter: A large process found on the femur, serving as an attachment point for muscles.
Tubercle: A small, knoblike process, exemplified by the conoid tubercle, which provides surfaces for muscle and ligament attachment.
Tuberocity: A larger form of tubercle, such as the deltoid tubercle, which also serves as a point of muscle attachment.