Femur Anatomy: Complete Guide with Parts, Names, Functions & Diagram

📅 Published on June 9, 2024 | 🕒 Last updated on February 19, 2026

Overview of Femur Anatomy

The femur, or thigh bone, is the main bone in your thigh.[1] It connects your hip to your knee and is your body’s largest and strongest bone.[1][2] In animals with four legs, it is the upper bone in the back leg. The femur anatomy has several parts: the shaft, head, neck, and more.[1] The top part fits into your hip joint, and the bottom connects to your shinbone (tibia) and kneecap (patella) to form your knee.[1] Humans have two femurs, one in each leg, and they meet at the knees, connecting to the tibiae. The angle where they meet affects the angle of your knees.[1] The femur is about 26.74% of a person’s height, so it can help estimate the height of someone from their skeleton.[1][3]

This article will show the detailed femur bone anatomy with its parts, names, functions & diagrams. It will help us to understand more about the human body parts.

Femur Anatomy Diagram

Detailed diagram of the human femur bone anatomy showing parts, names, and structure including head, neck, shaft, condyles, and functions.
Illustration of the human femur bone with labeled parts and structure for better understanding of anatomy.

Parts of Femur

  • Femoral Head
  • Femoral Neck
  • Femur Shaft
  • Greater Trochanter
  • Lesser Trochanter
  • Medial & Lateral Condyles
  • Intercondylar Notch
  • Epicondyles
  • Patellar Groove
  • Linea Aspera
  • Medial Supracondylar Ridge
  • Lateral Supracondylar Ridge
  • Medial Femoral Intermuscular Septum
  • Lateral Femoral Intermuscular Septum
  • Gluteal Tuberosity
  • Adductor Tubercle
  • Femoral Shaft Angles
  • Nutrient Foramen
  • Medullary Cavity

Femur Anatomy

Femoral Head

The femoral head is the rounded top part of the thigh bone (femur).[1] It connects to the femoral neck and fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis, forming the hip joint.[1][2]

The femoral head is shaped like a ball.[1] It has a small pit called the fovea capitis femoris, where a ligament attaches.[2] This area is important because it can suffer from avascular necrosis, especially after hip injuries.[2]

The femoral head acts as the “ball” in the hip joint, allowing a wide range of motion. It is covered with smooth cartilage, which helps it move easily against the acetabulum.[1]

Inside the femoral head, there are different patterns of trabeculae (small, beam-like structures within the bone):

  1. Primary Compressive Group: These trabeculae run vertically from the top of the femoral head to the inner neck, bearing the main load.[2][4]
  2. Primary Tensile Group: These run from the bottom of the femoral head to the outer side of the femur, handling tensile (stretching) forces.[2][4]
  3. Secondary Compressive Group: These follow additional stress lines within the upper femur.[2][4]
  4. Secondary Tensile Group: These align with tensile forces in the outer upper femur.[2][4]
  5. Greater Trochanteric Group: These follow stress lines within the greater trochanter, a bony prominence on the femur.[2][4]

There is an area with fewer trabeculae called Ward’s triangle, which is a weak spot in the bone. It differs from Babcock’s triangle, a region seen on X-rays where hip tuberculosis often occurs.[2]

Femoral Neck

The femoral neck is a connecting bone structure between the femoral head and shaft. It is shaped like a flattened pyramid, with a wider angle outward.[1]

The neck is flat from front to back, narrower in the middle, and wider on the outer side compared to the inner side.[1]

The lateral half of the neck has a larger vertical diameter due to its sloping lower edge. It joins the body near the lesser trochanter. This side measures about one-third more than its front-to-back diameter. The medial half is smaller and more circular.[1]

The front of the neck has many small holes for blood vessels. There are slight grooves along the top front where the hip joint capsule fibers sit.[1]

The back of the neck is smooth, broader, and more concave than the front. The hip joint capsule attaches about 1 cm above the intertrochanteric crest.[1]

The top border is short and thick. It ends at the greater trochanter and has large holes for vessels. The bottom border is longer and narrower. It curves slightly backward to reach the lesser trochanter.[1]

Femur Shaft

The femur, or your thigh bone, angles slightly inward and brings your knees closer to your body center to maintain balance.[1]

On the backside of the femur, there are rough ridges called the rough line or linea aspera. These ridges split below into two lines, medial and lateral supracondylar lines, with a flat area(the popliteal surface) in between.[1]

Near the top, the rough line becomes the pectineal line on the inside and the rough gluteal tuberosity outside, where your gluteus maximus muscle attaches.[1]

Towards the bottom, the linea aspera widens and becomes part of the popliteal fossa. The medial and lateral borders become the medial and lateral supracondylar lines.[1]

The medial supracondylar line ends at the adductor tubercle, where the adductor magnus muscle attaches.[1]

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Femur Anatomy

Femoral Head, Neck, and Shaft

Start the Quiz on the Femoral Head, Neck, and Shaft.

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1. In cross-section, the mid-femoral shaft is best described as:

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2. Which structure at the top of the femur articulates with the acetabulum to form the hip joint?

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3. In a standard adult, what is the normal angle of inclination (neck-shaft angle) of the femoral neck relative to the femoral shaft?

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4. The nutrient artery of the femoral shaft most commonly enters through a foramen on which surface?

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5. Which muscle group is responsible for the typical deformity seen in a mid-shaft femoral fracture — proximal fragment flexed, abducted, and externally rotated?

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6. Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) typically presents in which patient population?

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7. Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) involves avascular necrosis of the femoral head in which age group?

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8. The femoral head makes up approximately what fraction of a sphere?

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9. The femoral neck fracture classification system that uses Garden grades I–IV is based on:

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10. Femoral shaft fractures in young adults most commonly result from:

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Greater Trochanter

The greater trochanter of the femur is a major, bony projection on the side of the thigh bone. It extends outward and slightly backward from the hip joint.[1]

In adults, it typically sits 2–4 cm below the top of the femur. However, in females, due to a wider pelvic outlet than males, there is a greater in-between distance of the greater trochanters.[1]

On its outer side, the greater trochanter is broad and rough. It is shaped like a quadrilateral. It has a diagonal groove where the tendon of the gluteus medius muscle attaches.[1]

This attachment occurs with areas above and below this groove that may be roughened or smooth with a cushioning bursa.[1]

On the inner side, there is a smaller, deep vale known as the trochanteric fossa, where the tendon of the obturator externus muscle attaches.[1]

Lesser Trochanter

In human anatomy, the lesser trochanter is a small, cone-shaped bump inside the femur (thigh bone). It is located where the shaft of the femur meets the neck of the femur, towards the back and slightly below.[1]

The main function of the lesser trochanter is to serve as the attachment point for the iliopsoas muscle, which is important for hip movement.[1]

The top and front surfaces of the lesser trochanter are rough, while the back surface is smooth.[1] From its highest point, three distinct borders extend:

  1. A medial border that continues with the lower edge of the femoral neck.[1]
  2. A lateral border that merges with the intertrochanteric crest.[1]
  3. An inferior border that blends with the middle section of the linea aspera, a ridge on the femur.[1]
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Femur Anatomy

Greater & Lesser Trochanter

Start the Quiz on the Greater & Lesser Trochanter.

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1. The insertion of the gluteus minimus on the anterior facet of the greater trochanter means its primary action is:

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2. In total hip arthroplasty (THA), the greater trochanter is relevant because:

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3. What is the clinical significance of the 'quadratus femoris angle' or femoral offset in hip replacement surgery?

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4. The greater sciatic notch, through which major vessels and nerves pass to the gluteal region, is located:

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5. The tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscle and iliotibial band (IT band) most directly relates to the greater trochanter in which condition?

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6. When performing a hip abductor strengthening program for greater trochanteric pain syndrome, which exercise is typically recommended as a first-line intervention?

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7. The 'hip pointer' injury in contact sports refers to:

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8. Which of the following is the primary action of the piriformis, which attaches to the greater trochanter (superior facet)?

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9. The psoas bursa (iliopsoas bursa) lies between which structures?

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10. A patient complains of lateral hip pain that worsens when lying on the affected side at night and when climbing stairs. Tenderness is maximal over the lateral greater trochanteric region. The most likely diagnosis is:

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Medial & Lateral Condyle

The lower end of the femur has two projections: the medial and lateral condyles. The medial condyle is bigger because it bears more weight since the body’s center leans toward the inner side of the knee.[1]

On the back of the medial condyle, a ridge splits into two parts: the medial and lateral supracondylar ridges.[1]

The most distant ridge on the inner side of the medial condyle is called the “medial epicondyle,” which you can feel by running your fingers from the patella inward when the knee is bent. The extra part of the medial femoral condyle helps the knee rotate passively.[1]

The lateral condyle is the other ridge on the femur’s lower end. It is more prominent and wider from front to back and side to side compared to the medial condyle.[1]

Intercondylar Fossa/ Notch

The intercondylar fossa of the femur is like a deep groove between two bumps at the bottom of your thigh bone. These bumps are called the medial and lateral epicondyles.[1]

They are the parts that connect to your knee. The bumps are smoother and not pronounced on the front side of your thigh bone. There is a flat area called the patellar surface where your kneecap fits.[1]

You might also hear these areas called the patellar groove, patellar sulcus, or trochlear groove of the femur. They are all different ways of talking about the same parts of your knee joint.[1]

Epicondyle

The medial epicondyle of the femur is a bony protrusion on the inner side of the thigh bone’s lower end. It is above the medial condyle and has a bump called the adductor tubercle.[1]

It is the portion where muscles attach. This bump separates the thigh muscles into groups. Behind it, there is a rough area where a calf muscle attaches. The lateral epicondyle is smaller and less noticeable.[1]

It connects to a ligament in the knee. Below it is a groove that curves upward and backward on the back end of the bone.[1]

Patellar Surface & Groove

The patellar surface of the femur is a groove-like area at the lower front part of the thigh bone. This groove is between the inner and outer parts of the lower femur.[1]

It connects with a ridge on the patella (kneecap), forming the patellofemoral joint. This joint allows the kneecap to smoothly slide over the end of the thigh bone when we bend or straighten our knee.[1]

Linea Aspera

The linea aspera is a prominent bony ridge located on the posterior side of the femur or thigh bone. This structure is an attachment site for various muscles and connective tissues, effectively dividing the thigh into three distinct compartments.[1]

The linea aspera features two primary edges, the medial and lateral lips, with a roughened area in between.
It provides critical attachment points for the adductor muscles that move the leg toward the body’s midline.[1]

The intermuscular septa are connective tissues that separate different groups of thigh muscles. The distinctive ridges of the linea aspera are formed by the mechanical pull of the attached muscles, gradually shaping the bone over time.[1]

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Femur Anatomy

Medial & Lateral Condyles, Intercondylar Notch, Epicondyles, Patellar Groove, Linea Aspera

Start the Quiz on the Medial & Lateral Condyles, Intercondylar Notch, Epicondyles, Patellar Groove, Linea Aspera.

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1. Which imaging view best demonstrates the depth and shape of the trochlear groove (patellar groove)?

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2. The articular cartilage of the femoral condyles is thickest in which region?

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3. In the knee joint, the femoral condyles rest on menisci that serve which function?

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4. The lateral femoral condyle is more prominent anteriorly than the medial condyle. This lateral prominence helps to:

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5. The linea aspera is important in femoral shaft fractures because:

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6. The 'notch width index' (NWI) is used to assess the intercondylar notch and is associated with:

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7. The medial and lateral condyles of the femur are located at the:

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8. The adductor hiatus is an opening in which muscle through which the femoral vessels transition to the popliteal region?

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9. The medial femoral epicondyle is palpable on physical examination as the most prominent medial bony landmark of the:

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10. The patellar groove (trochlea) of the femur becomes deeper with age. In infants, a shallow or absent trochlear groove is:

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Medial Supracondylar Ridge

The medial supracondylar line is a ridge on the back of the femur. It runs down from the inner part of the thigh bone. It is not as clear as its counterpart on the outside of the bone.[1]

This line starts at the top of the back of the femur and goes down to the adductor tubercle. It divides the back of the thigh bone into the popliteal area and the inner part.[1]

For muscles, this line is where the vastus medialis muscle starts from and where the adductor magnus muscle attaches to.[1]

Lateral Supracondylar Ridge

The lateral supracondylar line is a ridge on the back of the femur. It is part of the bone that runs along the outer edge of the thigh bone.[1]

This line is a mark where certain leg muscles start. These muscles are the plantaris muscle and part of the biceps femoris muscle. It helps separate different areas of the femur bone and plays a role in muscle attachment.[1]

Medial Femoral Intermuscular Septum

The medial femoral intermuscular septum is a thick sheet of tissue that divides the muscles in your thigh. It sits between the thigh’s front and inner (adductor) parts. It stretches from the outer fascia to a ridge on your thigh bone called the linea aspera.[1]

Lateral Femoral Intermuscular Septum

The lateral femoral intermuscular septum is a tough layer of deep fascia that runs between the thigh muscles. It divides the front and back compartments of the thigh.[1]

The lateral femoral intermuscular septum starts from the outer fascia (fascia lata). It attaches along the linea aspera of the femur shaft. It stretches to the hip crest above and the outer knee bone below.[1]

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Femur Anatomy

Medial and Lateral Supracondylar Ridge, Medial and Lateral Femoral Intermuscular Septum

Start the Quiz on the Medial and Lateral Supracondylar Ridge, Medial and Lateral Femoral Intermuscular Septum.

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1. The lateral intermuscular septum is perforated by which important neurovascular structures?

2 / 10

2. The distal femoral locking plate (DFLP) is a common implant for distal femoral fractures. It is positioned along the lateral femoral cortex. The lateral supracondylar ridge provides:

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3. The lateral approach to the femoral shaft (between vastus lateralis and the lateral intermuscular septum) requires careful retraction of which nerve that runs in the posterior compartment?

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4. The distal extent of the medial supracondylar ridge terminates at which landmark?

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5. Which muscle has its origin specifically from the medial supracondylar ridge and the proximal medial capsule of the knee?

6 / 10

6. In total knee arthroplasty, the femoral component's posterior condylar resection level is critical. Excessive posterior condylar resection in the lateral condyle can cause:

7 / 10

7. The nerve to vastus medialis runs in the adductor canal (adjacent to the medial intermuscular septum area). Damage to this nerve during medial knee surgery causes:

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8. In tibial osteotomies for knee varus correction (high tibial osteotomy), the anatomy of the distal femoral supracondylar region is relevant because:

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9. Femoral shaft fracture plating is typically performed through which approach?

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10. On MRI of the thigh, the medial and lateral intermuscular septa appear as:

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Gluteal Tuberosity

The gluteal tuberosity is a part of the femur bone where the gluteus maximus muscle attaches. It is one of three bony ridges that extend upwards from the back of the femur and start from the linea aspera.[1]

This tuberosity can either appear as a long dent or a rough bump. It runs vertically from the linea aspera up to the base of the greater trochanter, another bony part of the femur.[1]

Adductor Tubercle

The adductor tubercle is a typical bony prominence found at the top of the inner bulge of the thigh bone’s knobby part.[1]

It marks the end of the upper line on the inner side of the thigh bone. It is the portion where the lowest part of the adductor magnus muscle attaches.[1]

The adductor tubercle is located in front and below the prominent point on the inner bulge of the thigh bone, known as the medial epicondyle. This area is where the ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone is anchored.[1]

Femoral Shaft Angles

In the femur anatomy, the angle between the femoral neck and shaft (neck-shaft angle, NSA) varies among people and ancient humans. In adults today, it typically ranges from 120 to 140 degrees. Some have angles less than 120 degrees (coxa varus), while others exceed 140 degrees (coxa valgus).[1]

Nutrient Foramen

The nutrient foramen on the femur shaft is the primary entry point for the nutrient artery into the marrow cavity. Knowledge of its precise location is crucial in surgery and fracture assessment to ensure fractures do not intersect these vital openings.[1]

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Femur Anatomy

Gluteal Tuberosity, Adductor Tubercle, Femoral Shaft Angles, Nutrient Foramen, Medullary Cavity

Start the Quiz on the Gluteal Tuberosity, Adductor Tubercle, Femoral Shaft Angles, Nutrient Foramen, Medullary Cavity.

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1. Decreased medullary cavity width (stenosis) in conditions like osteopetrosis results in:

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2. A nutrient foramen on the posterior femur can be misidentified as a stress fracture on plain X-ray. The distinguishing feature of a nutrient foramen is:

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3. The nutrient foramen's obliquity rule states that foramina in long bones are directed:

4 / 10

4. Paget's disease of bone most commonly affects the femur in which location?

5 / 10

5. The angle of femoral torsion (anteversion) is best measured clinically using which method?

6 / 10

6. Intramedullary nailing of the femur involves placing a nail within the medullary canal. The primary advantage is:

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7. The gluteal tuberosity is sometimes enlarged into a bony ridge called the 'third trochanter.' It is present in approximately what percentage of individuals?

8 / 10

8. The medullary cavity is enclosed by which type of bone?

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9. The diameter of the medullary canal at the isthmus (narrowest point) of the femur determines which aspect of intramedullary nailing?

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10. The 'bone scan' (technetium-99m bone scintigraphy) detects increased osteoblastic activity (increased uptake). In femoral stress fractures, this shows as:

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FAQ’s-

1. What is the femur and where is it located in the human body?

The femur, also called the thigh bone, is the longest and strongest bone in the human body. It is located in the upper leg and connects the hip joint to the knee joint. The femur supports body weight and plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. It also helps maintain balance and posture.[1][2]

2. What are the main parts of the femur?

The femur has three main parts: the proximal end (including the head, neck, greater trochanter, and lesser trochanter), the long shaft in the middle, and the distal end (with condyles and epicondyles for knee articulation).[1]

3. What is the function of the femur in the skeletal system?

The femur supports body weight, enables leg movement, and transfers forces between the hip and knee joints. It also provides attachment points for major muscles involved in posture, balance, and locomotion.

4. Why is the femur considered the strongest bone in the body?

The femur is extremely dense and structurally designed to withstand high loads from standing, walking, and running. Its thick cortical bone and cylindrical shape allow it to resist bending, compression, and torsional forces better than any other bone.[1]

5. Is the femur the strongest bone in the body?

Yes, the femur is widely recognized as the strongest bone in the human body.[1][2] Research shows it can withstand compression forces of approximately 800–1,100 kilograms (1,760–2,425 pounds) depending on age, bone density, and health.[5][6] This strength is essential for maintaining mobility and supporting body weight.[1]

6. How long is the average femur?

The average adult femur measures about 18 inches (45–50 cm) in length, though this varies based on height, sex, and ethnicity.[1] The femur typically accounts for about one-quarter of a person’s total height.[3][1] It is the longest bone in the skeletal system and plays a key role in stature and mobility.[1]

7. What is the largest bone in the body

The femur is the largest bone in the human body in terms of length, mass, and strength.[1][2] It forms the upper leg and connects the hip to the knee. The femur supports body weight, enables movement, and withstands the highest mechanical loads in the skeleton.[1]

References-

  1. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Femur. StatPearls Publishing.
    PMID: 30422577. Last reviewed: November 17, 2023.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532982/
  2. National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2023). Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Fovea Capitis Femoris. StatPearls Publishing.
    PMID: 30335248. Last reviewed: August 8, 2023.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519005/
  3. Trotter, M., & Gleser, G. C. (1992). Femur/stature ratio and estimates of stature in children. American Journal of Physical Anthropology.
    PMID: 1580352.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1580352/
  4. Li, X., et al. (2025). Functional morphology of trabecular system in human proximal femur: A perspective from P45 sectional plastination and 3D reconstruction finite element analysis. Bone Research.
    PMCID: PMC11993998. Published: April 12, 2025.
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11993998/
  5. Zhang, Q., et al. (2022). The biomechanical behavior of 3D printed human femoral bones under compressive loads. Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 40(12), 2845–2856.
    PMCID: PMC9685985 — PMID: 36373714.
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9685985/
  6. O’Brien, F. J. (2018). Bone mechanical properties in healthy and diseased states. National Library of Medicine (PMC).
    PMCID: PMC6053074.
    https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6053074/

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Authors

SEO & GEO Specialist:
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Wojciech Pawlina MD – Human Anatomy Education Jeffrey T Laitman PhD – Anatomy & Physiology Lynda F. Bonewald PhD – Bone Biology and Remodeling

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