BMS 107 Guide to Orienting Limb Bones
Lab Lists | Home
  • scapula
    • scapular spine is on the posterior side of the scapula
    • glenoid cavity must be superior and lateral
    • infraspinous fossa (large area inferior to the spine) is larger than the supraspinous fossa

  • clavicle
    • sternal end (the larger, "lumpy" end) is medial
    • smoother surface is superficial
    • starting from the sternal end, the clavicle curves anteriorly first, then it curves posteriorly
  • humerus
    • head is directed superiorly and medially
    • medial epicondyle - this large "lump" is directed medially
    • olecranon fossa is on the posterior side so as to receive the olecranon of the ulna when the forearm is extended

  • radius is always on the "thumb side" of the forearm
    • head - is superior
    • styloid process - points toward the thumb
    • the smoother surface of the distal radius faces anteriorly when the forearm is supinated

  • ulna is always on the fifth finger side of the forearm
    • olecranon process and trochlear notch are superior
    • radial notch contacts the head of the radius and therefore must face laterally because the radius is lateral to the ulna
PELVIC GIRDLE
  • ilium
    • iliac crest is superior and lateral
    • iliac fossa faces medially

  • ischium
    • ischial tuberosity is inferior (it's the "sitting bone")

  • pubis is anterior

  • additional pelvic girdle features
    • acetabulum - on inferior/lateral part of os coxae
    • symphysis pubis is the most anterior part of the pelvis
    • obturator foramen is inferior and anterior


  • femur
    • head projects superiorly and medially
    • greater trochanter is lateral
    • gluteal tuberosity is posterior
    • the femur has a curvature similar to that of the entire thigh: anterior side is convex, posterior side is concave

  • patella: has a lump on the medial side and a larger facet (surface) on the lateral posterior surface

  • tibia
    • tibial tuberosity and anterior crest are on the anterior side
    • medial malleolus is the "lump" on the medial side of the ankle

  • fibula
    • head is a bit rounder than the lateral malleolus and is positioned proximally
    • lateral malleolus is the "lump" on the lateral side of the ankle; it's smoother surface is superficial and the lateral malleolus "points" inferiorly and posteriorly
Lab Lists | Home
Fall 2008