Tubercles vs Tuberosities: Quick Reference

June 10, 2025

Last updated

The Core Principle

Tubercle = Small, discrete bump
Tuberosity = Large, rough prominence

Upper Extremity

TUBERCLES

  • Dorsal tubercle (Lister's tubercle) - radius
  • Conoid tubercle (clavicle)

TUBEROSITIES

  • Greater tuberosity/tubercle (humerus)**
  • Lesser tuberosity/tubercle (humerus)**
  • Deltoid tuberosity (humerus)
  • Radial tuberosity (radius)
  • Ulnar tuberosity (ulna)

Lower Extremity

TUBERCLES

  • Pubic tubercle
  • Adductor tubercle (femur)
  • Tubercle of iliac crest

TUBEROSITIES

  • Ischial tuberosity
  • Tibial tuberosity
  • Calcaneal tuberosity
  • Tuberosity of 5th metatarsal

Special Cases

Regional variation:

  • **Humeral prominences vary by region/training:
    • North American radiology → "tuberosity" (common)
    • British anatomy texts → "tubercle" (traditional)
    • No universal standard - both acceptable

Other variations:

  • Tibial tubercle/tuberosity → Tibial tuberosity (preferred)