Femur Anatomy

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the longest bone in the human body?

Tibia

Femur (correct)

Ulna

Fibula

Which area of the femur forms the hip joint with the acetabulum of the pelvis?

Greater trochanter

Proximal area (correct)

Shaft area

Distal area

What is the angle of projection of the neck of the femur to the shaft?

150-160 degrees

90-100 degrees

180-190 degrees

120-135 degrees (correct)

Which muscle originates from the greater trochanter of the femur?

Vastus lateralis Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the intertrochanteric line on the anterior surface of the femur?

Site of attachment for iliofemoral ligament Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the depression on the head of the femur where the ligamentum teres attaches?

Fovea Signup and view all the answers

Which structure connects the two trochanters together on the posterior surface of the femur?

Intertrochanteric crest Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the neck of the femur?

To connect the head of the femur with the shaft Signup and view all the answers

Which bony process is the most lateral palpable projection of the femur?

Greater trochanter Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the ligament that attaches to the intertrochanteric line on the anterior surface of the femur?

Iliofemoral ligament Signup and view all the answers

What is the location of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) attachment in the knee joint?

Medial aspect of lateral condyle Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the patella?

Triangular Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the patella in terms of leg extension?

It enhances the power of the quadriceps tendon Signup and view all the answers

What is the posterior surface of the patella marked by?

Two facets Signup and view all the answers

What is the quadriceps tendon attached to?

Patella Signup and view all the answers

What is the largest sesamoid bone in the body?

Patella Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the patella in terms of protection?

It protects the anterior aspect of the knee joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the medial facet of the posterior surface of the patella articulated with?

Medial condyle of femur Signup and view all the answers

What is the apex of the patella connected to?

Tibial tuberosity Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of the patella based on its position?

Sesamoid type bone Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the shaft of femur descending in a slight medial direction?

To increase the stability of the knee joint Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the roughened ridges on the posterior surface of the femoral shaft?

Linea aspera Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the medial and lateral epicondyles?

To provide attachment points for the medial and lateral collateral ligaments of the knee Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the depression found on the posterior surface of the femur, between the two condyles?

Intercondylar fossa Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the quadratus femoris muscle attachment to the femur?

To assist in the rotation of the femur Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the line that forms the medial border of the linea aspera?

Pectineal line Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the lateral condyle being more prominent than the medial condyle?

To prevent the natural lateral movement of the patella Signup and view all the answers

What is the shape of the cross-section of the shaft of femur in the middle?

Circular Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the surface that lies between the medial and lateral supracondylar lines?

Popliteal fossa Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the distal end of the femur?

To articulate with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Femur Structure

The femur is the longest bone in the body and the only bone in the thigh.
Divided into three areas: proximal, shaft, and distal.

Proximal Area

Forms the hip joint with the acetabulum of the pelvis.
Consists of a head, neck, and two bony processes (greater and lesser trochanters).
The head articulates with the acetabulum to form the hip joint.
The neck connects the head of the femur to the shaft.

Greater Trochanter

The most lateral palpable projection of the bone.
Originates from the anterior aspect, just lateral to the neck.
Site of attachment for many muscles in the gluteal region, such as gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, and piriformis.

Lesser Trochanter

Smaller than the greater trochanter.
Projects from the posteromedial side of the femur, just inferior to the neck-shaft junction.
Site of attachment for the iliopsoas.

Intertrochanteric Line

A ridge of bone that runs in an inferomedial direction on the anterior surface of the femur.
Connects the two trochanters together.
Site of attachment for the iliofemoral ligament and the hip joint capsule.

Intertrochanteric Crest

A ridge of bone that connects the two trochanters together.
Located on the posterior surface of the femur.
Has a rounded tubercle on its superior half, called the Quadrate tubercle.

Shaft of Femur

Descends in a slight medial direction.
Brings the knees closer to the body's center of gravity, increasing stability.
A cross-section of the shaft in the middle is circular but flattened posteriorly at the proximal and distal aspects.

Distal End of Femur

Presence of medial and lateral condyles, which articulate with the tibia and patella to form the knee joint.
Medial and lateral condyles are rounded areas at the end of the femur.
The posterior and inferior surfaces articulate with the tibia and menisci of the knee, while the anterior surface articulates with the patella.

Patella (Knee-cap)

Located at the front of the knee joint, within the patellofemoral groove of the femur.
Classified as a sesamoid type bone due to its position within the quadriceps tendon.
Largest sesamoid bone in the body.

Bony Landmarks of Patella

Patella has a triangular shape, with anterior and posterior surfaces.
Apex of patella is situated inferiorly and connected to the tibial tuberosity by the patellar ligament.
Base forms the superior aspect of the bone and provides attachment area for the quadriceps tendon.

Functions of Patella

Has two main functions:
- Leg extension: Enhances power that quadriceps tendon can exert on the femur, increasing efficiency of the muscle.
- Protection: Protects the anterior aspect of the knee joint from physical trauma.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Learn about the femur, the longest bone in the body, its structure, and functions, including its role in the hip joint and muscle attachment.