Which term describes a rounded articular projection?

Which term describes a rounded articular projection?

• A. Head
• B. Facet
• C. Condyle
• D. Ramus

Answer: (C)

Rounded articular projections that participate in joints are called condyles. This term emphasizes the knob-like, rounded surface that bears an articular cartilage and fits with a corresponding area on the neighboring bone to form a joint—think of the femoral condyles at the knee or the mandibular condyle at the jaw joint. A head is also a rounded articular end, but condyle is the specific label for a rounded projection that forms part of a joint surface. A facet is a flat articular surface, not rounded, and a ramus is a branch-like extension, not primarily an articular surface.

Rounded articular projections that participate in joints are called condyles. This term emphasizes the knob-like, rounded surface that bears an articular cartilage and fits with a corresponding area on the neighboring bone to form a joint—think of the femoral condyles at the knee or the mandibular condyle at the jaw joint. A head is also a rounded articular end, but condyle is the specific label for a rounded projection that forms part of a joint surface. A facet is a flat articular surface, not rounded, and a ramus is a branch-like extension, not primarily an articular surface.