Gross Anatomy of Bones: Bone Markings

Overview

• Bone markings are sites of:
  • Attachment for muscles, ligaments, tendons
  • Joint surfaces
• Indicate stress points and modifications for joint stability
• Include projections, openings, and depressions for blood vessels and nerves
• Important for understanding axial and appendicular skeleton (Modules 7 & 8)

Key Types of Bone Markings

Projections

• Tuberosity

  • Example: Ischial tuberosity
  • Characteristics: Large, rounded projection, often roughened
  • Purpose: Attachment point for muscles/ligaments

• Crest

  • Example: Iliac crest in the coxal bone
  • Characteristics: Prominent ridge or elongated projection

• Line

  • Less prominent than a crest

• Trochanter

  • Found only in the femur
  • Characteristics: Highly irregular shape

• Condyle

  • Points of articulation where bone meets bone

• Epicondyle

  • Example: Medial epicondyle
  • Characteristics: Raised area above a condyle
  • Purpose: Facilitates attachment

Joint-Forming Projections

• Head
  • Rounded articular projection supported on the neck of a bone

Understanding Markings

• Serve as points of attachment
• Indicate areas of stress where bone may thicken
• Do not need to memorize names but understand functions and roles in bone structure

Further Study

• Detailed exploration of specific bone markings in Modules 7 & 8 focusing on axial and appendicular skeletons.