Terminology in Osteology

Veterinary Osteology Terminology: Bone Features & Long Bone Parts

Terminology in osteology refers to the specific anatomical terms used to describe the various features, landmarks, and structures of bones. These terms help in identifying and communicating the shape, position, and function of different parts of a bone, such as projections (e.g., spine, tubercle), depressions (e.g., fossa, groove), openings (e.g., foramen, canal), and joints (e.g., condyle, head).

In veterinary anatomy, understanding these terms is essential for studying the skeletal system, diagnosing bone-related conditions, and performing surgical procedures accurately.

Terminology in Osteology

The surface of bones presents a number of features in the form of prominences, depressions, perforations, etc. These may be articular (forming joints with corresponding articular areas of another bone) or non-articular, providing attachment to muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Bone FeatureDefinition
ProcessA general term for a prominence.
TubercleA small blunt projection. If more developed, it is called a tuberosity, while a trochanter is the largest of these.
SpineA pointed projection.
CrestA sharp ridge.
HeadA rounded articular enlargement at the end of a bone; it may be joined to the shaft by a neck.
CondyleA somewhat cylindrical articular eminence, while an epicondyle is the non-articular projection associated with it.
Protuberance, prominence, eminence, torusVarious types of bony projections.
TrochleaA pulley-like articular area.
Glenoid cavityA shallow, cup-like articular depression.
Cotyloid cavityA deep, cup-like articular depression.
LineA faint elongated elevation, whereas a crest is a more prominent elongated elevation.
FacetA flat articular surface.
ForamenA perforation for the transmission of vessels, nerves, etc.
SinusAn air cavity within the bone, lined by mucous membrane, that communicates with the exterior.
HiatusA depression leading to two or more foramina. The terms fossa, fovea, and sulcus denote various forms of depressions.
CleftA fissure in a bone.
LaminaA thin plate of bone.
Cornu or hamulusA curved, horn-like process.
CanalA bony tunnel (a foramen of some length).
MeatusA narrow passage.
Articular processA projection that contacts an adjacent bone.
ArticulationThe region where adjacent bones contact each other — a joint.
CanalA long, tunnel-like foramen, usually a passage for notable nerves or blood vessels.
EminenceA relatively small projection or bump.
SutureArticulation between cranial bones.
LabyrinthA cavity within a bone.
MalleolusOne of two specific protuberances of bones in the ankle.
RamusAn arm-like branch off the body of a bone.
AngleThe corner of a bone found between two borders.
ArticulationA joint or union between two bones.
Body (corpus)The largest or principal part of a bone.
BorderThe edge of a bone, usually referring to a flat bone.
Condyloid cavity/AcetabulumA deeper articular depression.
EpicondyleA non-articular projection adjacent to a condyle.
FissureA narrow cleft in a bone.
FontanelAn unossified region between skull bones.
FossaA concavity or depression; literally a ditch.
FoveaAn articular surface in the form of a very small pit or depression.
GrooveAn elongated concavity between parallel ridges.
IncisuraA notch-like depression.
LineaA narrow ridge or line — a very small linear elevation.
ManubriumA flat, handle-like projection.
NotchA deep or large indentation, usually for articulation.
PlexusesA network or tangle of nerves.
RidgeA narrow, rounded elevation on the surface.
SquamaThe flat portion of a cranial bone.
StyloidLiterally a pencil-shaped, pointed process.
SymphysisA union in which two similar bones are firmly connected by cartilage.
TrochanterA very large, non-articular prominence.
TuberosityA large, rounded, uneven projection.

Terminology in Osteology for Long Bones

Terminology in osteology for longs bones
Terminology in Osteology for Long Bones
Long Bone FeatureDefinition
DiaphysisThe long, relatively straight main body of a long bone; the region of primary ossification. Also known as the shaft.
EpiphysisThe end region of a long bone; the site of secondary ossification.
Epiphyseal plateAlso known as the growth plate or physis. It is a thin disc of hyaline cartilage located transversely between the epiphysis and metaphysis. In humans, the epiphyseal plate typically disappears by twenty years of age.
HeadThe proximal articular end of the bone.
MetaphysisThe region of a long bone situated between the epiphysis and diaphysis.
NeckThe region of the bone between the head and the shaft.
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