Tubercle (anatomy)

Carswells' illustration of tubercle, 1838

Tubercle model of a Humpback whale flipper

In anatomy, the term tubercle may describe a round nodule, small eminence, or warty outgrowth found on bones or skin, or, in cases of tuberculosis, in the lungs.

In addition to the types that exist in or on humans (as well as certain other animals) as described below, they are also found on the leading edge of Humpback Whale's flippers, improving fluid flow over the flipper's surface.

Types

Within the human body there are numerous sites where tubercles develop. On bones they are generally the sites of muscle insertions. Within the lungs and on the genitals, tubercles are sites of disease.

Mouth

Tubercles are usually found behind the last molar in the upper jaw, covered by the gum. Surgery can be done to make tubercles less prominent.

Arms

The humerus of the upper arm has two tubercles, the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. These are situated at the proximal end of the bone, that is the end that connects with the scapula. The greater/lesser tubercule are located from the top of the acromion laterally and inferiorly.

Legs

Apophysis ossification: 1 – epiphyseal ossification centre; 2 – diaphysis; 3 – apophyseal ossification centre

The most prominent tubercle of the tibia, a leg bone which is more commonly known as the shinbone or shankbone, is the tibial tuberosity. The tibial tuberosity is located on the tibia's anterior surface, distal to the medial condyle. It creates a bony prominence just below the patella, and can be easily located with the fingers. It creates an attachment point for the ligamentum patellae, or patellar ligament.

Other tubercles of the tibia include the medial intercondylar tubercle, the lateral intercondylar tubercle, and Gerdy's tubercle.

Ribs

Main article: tubercle (rib)

Lungs

Main article: Tuberculosis

Tubercles in the lungs develop as a result of infection by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium in the disease tuberculosis. Granulomas form in the infected tissue and undergo necrosis in the centre. Tubercles are also known as tuberculous nodules.

Ears

Around the sixth week of gestation, six swellings of tissue called the hillocks of Hiss arise around the area that will form the ear canal. These eventually coalesce to form the outer ear. Darwin's tubercle, is a minor malformation of the junction of the fourth and fifth hillocks of Hiss. It is found in a substantial minority of people and takes the form of a cartilaginous node or bump on the rim of their outer ear, which is thought to be the vestige of a joint that allowed the top part of the ancestral ear to swivel or flop down over the opening to the ear.

Genitals

The genital tubercle is a small bump that eventually develops into a penis or a clitoris on a human fetus.

Brain

The septotubercular tract can be found in the human as well as in the sheep brain. It is found nearby the septohypothalamic tract. Its function to the brain is ambiguous at this point.

Also the tuberculum sellae is found at the base of the skull, which holds the hypophysis.

See also

Tubercle Effect

Gray's Anatomy

• Gray's Anatomy Contents
• Gray's Anatomy Subject Index
• About Classic Gray's Anatomy
• Note to Contributors of Gray's Anatomy
• Glossary of anatomy terms

Anatomy atlases (external)

[1] - Anatomy Atlases

Tubercle (anatomy) Resources
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