A&P I: Bone Terminology

Condyle

Large, smooth, rounded articulating oval structure.

Facet

Small, flat, shallow articulating surface.

Head

Prominent, rounded epiphysis.

Trochlea

Smooth, grooved, pulley-like articular process.

Alveolus

Deep pit or socket in the maxillae or mandible.

Fossa

Flattened or shallow depression.

Sulcus

Narrow groove.

Crest

Narrow, prominent, ridge-like projection.

Epicondyle

Projection adjacent to a condyle.

Line

Low ridge.

Process

Any marked bony prominence.

Ramus

Angular extension of a bone relative to the rest of the structure.

Spine

Pointed, slender process.

Trochanter

Massive, rough projection found only on the femur.

Tubercle

Small, round projection.

Tuberosity

Large, rough projection.

Canal

Passageway through a bone.

Fissure

Narrow, slit-like opening through a bone.

Foramen

Rounded passageway through a bone.

Meatus

Passageway through a bone.

Sinus

Cavity or hollow space in a bone.