Tuberosity

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Tuberosity is a term used in anatomy to describe a large prominence on a bone, usually for the attachment of muscles. The term is derived from the Latin word tuber, meaning swelling or lump.

Types of Tuberosities[edit | edit source]

There are several types of tuberosities in the human body, including:

  • Ischial tuberosity: Located on the pelvis, this tuberosity is the point of attachment for the hamstring muscles.
  • Tibial tuberosity: This is found on the tibia, the larger of the two bones in the lower leg. It is the point of attachment for the patellar ligament.
  • Greater tuberosity: This is located on the humerus, the bone of the upper arm. It is the point of attachment for the rotator cuff muscles.
  • Lesser tuberosity: Also located on the humerus, this is the point of attachment for one of the rotator cuff muscles.
  • Radial tuberosity: This is found on the radius, one of the bones of the forearm. It is the point of attachment for the biceps muscle.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Tuberosities can be involved in various medical conditions. For example, an avulsion fracture can occur at the site of a tuberosity, where a tendon or ligament pulls off a piece of the bone. In addition, inflammation or degeneration of the tissues attached to a tuberosity can lead to pain and dysfunction, as seen in conditions such as tendinitis and bursitis.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Tuberosity Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD