Tuberosity

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

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

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

• Bone
• Muscle
• Tendon
• Ligament

References

Tuberosity Resources
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