Naming Bones and Anatomical Structures

The laboratory section of anatomy focuses on your ability to identify and properly name anatomical structures. Naming is important, both in achieving the grade you want in this course and in communicating clearly when you refer to a specific structure in later courses or your professional life. This will be important whether you work in healthcare, research, sports or any other field. Doctors have performed operations in the wrong location through failure to identify left and right correctly!

How to Approach Naming:

1. Orient the bone with respect to your own body in anatomical position.

2. Determine whether there is one bone or two and use the following nomenclature:

 

 

 

 

It would be incorrect to say "angle of the left mandible bone" because you only have one mandible (jaw) bone.

3. You must also write the word "bone" after every structure (unless it is not a bone). Points will be taken off for "___ of the Sphenoid" alone.

4. If two names are given in the lab manual, (ex: radial/bicipital tuberosity) you are expected to write them both on the test. Many structures have multiple names; knowing both will help you understand books, articles and other people.

5. Write legibly!

In Anatomical Position the body is held straight, with the feet and palms of the hands facing anteriorly (forward). Click on the image to go to a site on extension/ flexion/adduction etc. if you would like more information.