Introduction
The surface features of bones vary considerably, depending on the function and location in the body. Each has its own unique story to tell. Try to write down five characteristics that you see in the bone surfaces in the image of the skull above. Think of what stories they tell you.
There are three general classes of bone markings: (1) articulations, (2) projections, and (3) holes. As the name implies, an articulation is where two bone surfaces come together (articulus = “joint”). These surfaces tend to conform to one another, such as one being rounded and the other cupped, to facilitate the function of the articulation. A projection is an area of a bone that projects above the surface of the bone. These are the attachment points for tendons and ligaments. In general, their size and shape is an indication of the forces exerted through the attachment to the bone. A hole is an opening or groove in the bone that allows blood vessels and nerves to enter the bone. As with the other markings, their size and shape reflect the size of the vessels and nerves that penetrate the bone at these points.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this section you will be able to:
- Name and describe the major bone markings including processes, depressions, cavities and openings.
Attributions
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