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Bone Feature Terminology Guide
Each term below describes a type of surface feature found across many bones. Learn the definition once — recognize it everywhere.
16 Term Types
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100+ Named Features
Condyle
6 examples of this rounded articular knuckle
Definition
A rounded, smooth, knuckle-like projection on a bone that forms part of a joint. Its smooth surface allows one bone to articulate (move) against another.
Word Origin
From Greek kondylos — meaning “knuckle.” Picture making a fist and looking at your knuckles: that rounded bump is exactly the shape of a condyle.
Shape & Function
The rounded shape lets bones roll and glide against each other. Condyles are always covered in articular (hyaline) cartilageA flexible connective tissue found in joints, the ear, nose, and rib cage. Cartilage can be of three in life. Where two condyles sit side by side (medialToward the midline of the body and lateralAway from the midline of the body.), they create a stable hinge or gliding joint.
Memory Tip
Condyle = knuckle = joint surface. If you see “condyle,” the bone is making contact with another bone right there. It’s always smooth and rounded, never sharp.
Identify More Bones
Link to more Bone Identification
Long Bones
Stick Bones
Hands and Feet
Pectoral Girdle
Pelvic Girdle
Skull Bone
Facial Bones
Vertebrae & Ribs
Odds and Ends
List of terms
- cartilage
- medial
- lateral
- atlas
- head