SURFACE
MARKINGS
Notes adapted from Principles of Anatomy and
Physiology, 7th Edition
The surfaces of bones have various structural features
adapted to specific functions. These features are called
surface markings. Long bones that bear a lot of weight
have large, rounded ends that can form sturdy joints and
provide adequate surface area for the attachment of
ligaments and muscles. Other bones have depressions
that receive rounded ends. Rough areas serve as points
of attachment for muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Grooves on the surfaces of bones provide for the
passage of blood vessels. Openings occur where blood
vessels and nerves pass through the bone.
DEPRESSIONS AND OPENINGS
• FOSSA  a depression in or on a bone
(ex. Supraspinous fossa of scapula)
• GROOVE/SULCUS/NOTCH  a furrow or
depression that accomodates a soft
structure such as a blood vessel, nerve or
tendon (ex. Intertubecular goove of the
humerus, scapular notch)
PROCESSES
• A process is any prominent projection of a bone.
• Example – Mastoid Process of the temporal
bone
ARTICULATING PROCESSES (THAT FORM JOINTS)
• CONDYLE  a large, rounded articular prominence
(ex.medial condyle of the femur)
• HEAD  a rounded articular projection supported on
the constricted portion (neck) of a bone (ex. Head of
femur)
NON-ARTICULATING PROCESSES
TO WHICH TENDONS, LIGAMENTS, AND OTHER
CONNECTIVE TISSUES ATTACH
CREST  a prominent borders or ridge (ex. Iliac crest of coxal (hip) bone
EPICONDYLE  a prominence above a condyle
(ex. Medial epicondyle of the femur)
LINE (Linea)  a less prominent ridge than a crest
(ex. Linea aspera of the femur)
SPINOUS PROCESS (Spine)  a sharp, slender process (ex. Spine of scapula)
TROCHANTER  a large projection found only in the femur
TUBERCLE  a small rounded process (ex. Greater tubercle of humerus)
TUBEROSITY  a large, rounded, usually roughened process (ex. Ischial tuberosity of
the hipbone)