Surface Features of Bone

Question 1

Central mass of a bone. Not necessarily the largest part of the bone

Answer 1

Body

ex. Sella Turcica region of sphenoid bone

Question 2

A projection or outgrowth of a tissue from a larger body

Answer 2

Process

Ex. Mastoid process

Question 3

Rounded elevation on the surface of a bone

Answer 3

Protuberance

Ex. posterior surface of the occipital bone (Occipital protuberance)

Question 4

Projection of bone located at articulation points

Answer 4

Condyle

Ex. Occipital condyle that articulated with C1

Question 5

A shallow depression on the surface of a bone. It may receive articulation from another bone to form a joint or not

Answer 5

Fossa
Ex. Mandibular Fossa that allows for mandible to connect to skull (articulatory fossa)

Ex. Temporal Fossa (non-articulatory fossa)

Question 6

Shallow indentation that transmits blood vessels and nerves

Answer 6

Groove

Ex. the internal surfaces of skull bones will contain grooves for various arteries, veins and venous sinuses

Question 7

Large opening in the skull

Answer 7

Aperture

Ex. piriform aperture (part of nasal passageway)

Question 8

Circular or oval-shaped opening in the skull bones

Answer 8

Foramen

Ex. Foramen magnum (largest opening in the skull to allow the spinal cord to exit the skull)

Question 9

Narrow, cleft-like opening between adjacent parts of a bone or bones forming a passageway for blood vessels and nerves

Answer 9

Fissure
Ex. Superior orbital fissure (narrow opening between the greater and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone)

Inferior orbital fissure (narrow opening between the greater wings of the sphenoid and the orbital surface of the maxillary bone)

Question 10

The mastoid process is a feature of which bone of the cranium?

Answer 10

Temporal bone