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Frontal Bone

What is the Frontal Bone The frontal bone is one of the eight cranial bones. In Latin, ‘frons’ stands for ‘forehead’, which gives the bone its name as it forms the smooth curve of the forehead. Along with the forehead, the bone partially forms the bony part of the nose and the upper ridge and […]

Zygomatic Bone (Cheekbone)

What is the Zygomatic Bone Zygomatic bone, commonly known as the cheekbone, is a paired, irregular facial bone. It is sometimes known as ‘zygoma’, a Greek word meaning ‘yoke’. This bone forms the cheeks and the lateral walls of the eye sockets or orbits. Where is the Zygomatic Bone Located It is located at the […]

Mandible (Lower Jaw Bone)

What is the Mandible The mandible is the largest, strongest, and the only skull bone capable of movement. It forms the lower jaw, and thus is also known as the lower jaw bone. It helps with the process of chewing along with the maxilla or upper jaw bone. The bone has derived its name from […]

Coccyx (Tailbone)

What is the Coccyx The coccyx is the smallest and the most inferior bone in the spinal column. It is the terminal part of the vertebral column that makes up the very bottom portion of the spine below the sacrum. It is usually composed of four vertebrae (Co1- Co4), which fuse to produce a triangular […]

Sternum (Breastbone)

What is the Sternum Sternum, commonly called breastbone, is a long, flat bone located in the midline of the chest. The word ‘sternum’ has been derived from the ancient Greek word ‘sternon’, meaning ‘chest’. The bone covers and protects the thoracic organs, such as the heart and lungs, from any external shock. Where is the […]

Sacrum

What is the Sacrum The sacrum is a large, flat, triangular-shaped, irregular bone, alternatively known as the sacral vertebra or sacral spine. It comprises five fused vertebrae (S1-S5), located at the base of the vertebral column or spine. The bone links the spine with the hip, thus helping in hip stability. Where is the Sacrum […]

Cuboid Bone

What is the Cuboid Bone The cuboid is one of the seven tarsal bones of the midfoot. As the bone is cubical, it is named ‘cuboid’ bone. It is positioned most laterally in the distal row of the tarsus. It stabilizes and supports the lateral column of the foot. Where is the Cuboid Located The […]

Cuneiform Bones

What are the Cuneiform Bones Cuneiforms are a set of three bones present in the midfoot.  In Latin, ‘cuneus‘ means ‘wedge’, and ‘form’ refers to the shape. For this reason, these tarsal bones are named so due to their wedge shape. From medial to lateral, these bones are named as: Medial Cuneiform Intermediate Cuneiform Lateral […]

Patella (Kneecap)

What is the Patella Patella, commonly known as the kneecap, is the largest sesamoid bone of the body. It is located at the front of the knee like a cap, protecting the knee joint. It is characterized as a sesamoid bone as it remains embedded within the quadriceps tendon. Where is the Patella Located The […]

Navicular Bone

What is the Navicular Bone Navicular is one of the seven tarsal bones located in the midfoot region. In Latin, ‘navicular’ means ‘a little ship’. So, the bone got its name from Latin due to its resemblance to a small boat. It connects the ankle bone or talus to the other two tarsal members, the […]