Bones and Bony Landmarks of the Appendicular Skeleton
Required Readings: Moore’s Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 7th edition
pgs. 7-11; 16-36; 512-531; 626-669; 673-687; 793-819
1. Understand the basics of bone markings/macroscopic bone anatomy terminology
The macroscopic appearance of bone varies based on the function of that area of bone (e.g. muscle tendon/ligament attachment, neurovasculature entering/exiting bone, joint formation, etc.) and between individuals. Understanding the basic terminology of macroscopic bone anatomy will assist in further osteological analysis.
A most basic division of osteological landmarks includes: depressions/openings & projections/processes.
Depressions and openings have two main functions: allowing the passage of soft tissue through or along bone and formation of joints. The articular surfaces of bone (joint formation) are smooth, as they were covered with articular cartilage during life.
See Table 1 for a list of depressions/openings that are commonly found on bones of upper/lower limbs.
Table 1: Osteological landmarks: depressions/openings
Projections and processes have two main functions: formation of joints and attachment points for connective tissues (muscle tendons, ligaments). See Table 2 for a list of projections/processes that are commonly found on bones of upper/lower limbs.
Table 2: Osteological landmarks: projections/processes
2. Identify bones and major bony landmarks of upper and lower limbs.
Arches of Foot
Medial longitudinal arch
Description
Relevance
Transverse arch
Carpals
Capitate
Description
Relevance
Hamate
Lunate
Pisiform
Scaphoid
Trapezium
Trapezoid
Triquetrum
Clavicle
Acromial end
Description
Flattened, lateral end of clavicle
Enlarged, medial end of clavicle
Description
Relevance
Articulates with scapula (acromion) at acromioclavicular (AC) joint
Articulates with manubrium of sternum at sternoclavicular joint
Relevance
Sternal end
Coxal Bone
Acetabulum
Anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS)
Greater sciatic notch
Iliac crest
Ilium
Inferior pubic ramus
Ischial ramus
Ischial tuberosity
Ischium
Obturator foramen
Pubic body
Pubic tubercle
Pubis
Superior pubic ramus
Symphysial surface
Femur
Greater trochanter
Description
Description
Relevance
Relevance
Head
Intercondylar fossa
Intertrochanteric crest
Lateral condyle
Lateral epicondyle
Lesser trochanter
Linea aspera
Medial condyle
Medial epicondyle
Neck
Fibula
Head
Lateral malleolus
Neck
Humerus
Anatomical neck
Description
Relevance
Capitulum
Deltoid tuberosity
Greater tubercle
Head
Lateral epicondyle
Lesser tubercle
Medial epicondyle
Olecranon fossa
Radial groove
Surgical neck
Trochlea
Metacarpals & Phalanges
Distal phalanges
Description
Relevance
Metacarpals
Middle phalanges
Proximal phalanges
Metatarsals & Phalanges
Distal phalanges
Description
Relevance
Metatarsals
Middle phalanges
Proximal phalanges
Patella
Patella
Description
Description
Relevance
Relevance
Radius
Carpal articular surface
Head
Radial styloid process
Radial tuberosity
Scapula
Acromion
Description
Relevance
Coracoid process
Glenoid cavity
Inferior angle
Infraspinous fossa
Lateral border
Medial border
Spine of scapula
Subscapular fossa
Superior angle
Suprascapular notch
Supraspinous fossa
Tarsals
Calcaneal tuberosity
Description
Relevance
Calcaneus
Cuboid
Medial cuneiform
Middle cuneiform
Navicular
Lateral cuneiform
Sustentaculum tali
Talus
Tibia
Intercondylar eminence
Description
Relevance
Lateral condyle
Medial condyle
Medial malleolus
Tibial plateau
Tibial tuberosity
Ulna
Coronoid process
Description
Relevance
Head
Olecranon
Radial notch
Trochlear notch
Ulnar styloid process