Tubercle (bone)

In the skeleton of humans and other animals, tubercles and tuberosities are protrusions or eminences that serve as attachments for tendons or ligaments. The enthesis is the connective tissue between the tendon of a skeletal muscle and bone. Tuberosities (for example the ischial tuberosity of the pelvis) are generally larger and less rounded than tubercles (for example the greater and lesser tubercles of the proximal humerus).

Apophyses, like epiphyses, are regions of bones where ossification occurs throughout chilhood (secondary centres of ossification), but unlike epiphyses they are not adjacent to joint surfaces. When ossification is complete, they may become trochanters, tubercles and tuberosities depending on their physical dimensions and location.