Anatomical terms of bone

601 Bone Classification

Anatomical terms of bone are standardized terms used to describe the location, structure, and function of bones in the human body. These terms are essential for clear and precise communication in the fields of anatomy, medicine, and related disciplines.

Basic Terms

• Bone: A rigid organ that constitutes part of the vertebrate skeleton.
• Osteology: The study of the structure and function of the skeleton and bony structures.
• Periosteum: A dense layer of vascular connective tissue enveloping the bones except at the surfaces of the joints.
• Endosteum: A thin vascular membrane of connective tissue that lines the inner surface of the bony tissue that forms the medullary cavity of long bones.

Bone Structure

• Diaphysis: The main or midsection (shaft) of a long bone.
• Epiphysis: The rounded end of a long bone, at its joint with adjacent bone(s).
• Metaphysis: The narrow portion of a long bone between the epiphysis and the diaphysis.
• Medullary cavity: The central cavity of bone shafts where red bone marrow and/or yellow bone marrow (adipose tissue) is stored.
• Cortical bone: The dense outer surface of bone that forms a protective layer around the internal cavity.
• Trabecular bone: The spongy bone found at the ends of long bones and in the pelvic bones, ribs, skull, and vertebrae.

Bone Markings

• Foramen: An opening, hole, or passage, typically in a bone.
• Fossa: A depression or hollow, usually in a bone.
• Condyle: A rounded protuberance at the end of some bones, forming an articulation with another bone.
• Epicondyle: A protuberance above or on the condyle of a long bone, especially either of the two at the elbow end of the humerus.
• Tuberosity: A moderate prominence where muscles and connective tissues attach.
• Tubercle: A small rounded projection or protuberance, especially on a bone or on the surface of an animal or plant.
• Crest: A raised or prominent part of the edge of a bone.
• Spine: A sharp, slender, or narrow process.

Bone Development

• Ossification: The process of bone formation.
• Intramembranous ossification: The process of bone development from fibrous membranes.
• Endochondral ossification: The process of bone development from hyaline cartilage.

Related Pages

• Skeletal system
• Human skeleton
• Bone fracture
• Bone healing
• Bone marrow
• Bone density
• Bone remodeling
• Bone disease