Overview
This lecture covers the anatomical features of the femur (thigh bone), focusing on the names and locations of its prominent landmarks.
Proximal (Upper) Femur Anatomy
- The femur is the thigh bone and the largest bone in the human body.
- The head of the femur is the rounded top part that fits into the hip socket.
- The fovea capitis is a small notch on the head of the femur.
- The neck of the femur connects the head to the shaft.
- The greater trochanter is a large, prominent projection on the upper lateral side.
- The lesser trochanter is a smaller projection below the neck on the medial side.
Shaft and Posterior Features
- The linea aspera is a ridge running down the middle of the posterior (back) side of the femur.
Distal (Lower) Femur Anatomy
- The medial condyle is the rounded prominence at the lower end of the femur, on the same side as the femur head (medial).
- The lateral condyle is the rounded prominence on the opposite side (lateral).
- The medial epicondyle is a smaller bump above the medial condyle.
- The lateral epicondyle is above the lateral condyle.
- The intercondylar notch is the area between the two condyles.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Femur â The thigh bone; longest and strongest bone in the body.
- Head of femur â The rounded upper end that fits into the hip socket.
- Fovea capitis â A small notch in the head of the femur.
- Neck of femur â The narrowed region below the head.
- Greater trochanter â Large lateral projection near the femur's top.
- Lesser trochanter â Smaller, medial projection below the neck.
- Linea aspera â Ridge on the posterior femoral shaft.
- Medial condyle â Inner rounded prominence at femur's lower end.
- Lateral condyle â Outer rounded prominence at lower femur.
- Medial epicondyle â Bump above the medial condyle.
- Lateral epicondyle â Bump above the lateral condyle.
- Intercondylar notch â Groove between the femoral condyles.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review labeled diagrams of the femur to reinforce the location of each structure.