Tubercle

Tubercle: Description and meaning in anatomy and medicine

Tubercle is a term used in both anatomy and medicine to refer to various structures and conditions. In anatomy, a tubercle is a small, rounded elevation on the surface of a bone or other tissue. In medicine, a tubercle may also refer to a specific nodular lesion characteristic of tuberculosis. Let's look at each of these values ​​in more detail.

In anatomy, tubercles can be found on various bones of the human body. For example, at the upper end of the diaphysis of the humerus there are greater and lesser tubercles. The greater tubercle (tuberculum majus) is located on the outer surface of the humerus, while the lesser tubercle (tuberculum minus) is located on the anterior surface. These tubercles are anatomical landmarks and serve as attachment sites for the shoulder muscles.

In medicine, a tubercle may also refer to a special type of lesion seen in tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can affect various organs and systems in the body, and tubercles are one of the characteristic signs of this disease.

Tuberculosis tubercles (tubercles) are formed as a result of the inflammatory process caused by the tuberculosis bacterium. They are specific nodules that form in infected tissues. The bumps usually range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and are often found in the lungs, but can also affect other organs such as the kidneys, bones or lymph nodes.

Tuberculous tubercles can be detected by X-ray examination or by biopsy of affected tissue. They are characterized by specific morphological characteristics and consist of clots of altered cells and inflammatory elements. The tubercles can be destroyed over time, leaving behind scars or cavernous cavities.

Treatment of tuberculosis includes the use of antibiotics and specific anti-tuberculosis drugs. If the bumps occur, surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue.

In conclusion, tubercle is a term that has different meanings in anatomy and medicine. In anatomy, tubercles are small elevations on the surface of a bone, such as the greater and lesser tubercles on the humerus. In medicine, a tubercle may refer to a specific nodular lesion associated with tuberculosis, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis tubercles are formations formed in infected tissues as a result of the inflammatory process. They are one of the characteristic signs of tuberculosis and can be found in various organs, especially in the lungs. These tubercles usually range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters and consist of clots of altered cells and inflammatory elements.

Diagnosis of tuberculous tubercles can be made using X-ray examinations or biopsy of affected tissue. Treatment of tuberculosis includes the use of antibiotics and specific anti-tuberculosis drugs. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue.

Thus, tubercle is an important term in anatomy and medicine. In anatomy, it refers to small elevations on the surface of the bone, and in medicine, a specific nodular lesion associated with tuberculosis. Understanding these concepts helps professionals diagnose and treat related conditions.



A tubercle is an anatomical term that refers to a small, rounded elevation on the surface of a bone.

In anatomy, the following types of tubercles are distinguished:

  1. Tubercles on the bones of the limbs. For example, at the upper end of the humerus there is a large tubercle (tuberculum majus) and a small tubercle (tuberculum minus). They serve as attachment sites for the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder joint.

  2. Tubercles on the bones of the skull. On the outer surface of the parietal bone there is a parietal tubercle (tuber parietale), to which the temporalis muscle and the ligament proper of the head are attached.

  3. The dental cusps on the upper and lower jaws are the places where the sockets of the teeth are located.

  4. Tubercles on the vertebrae for attachment of articular processes and ligaments.

In addition to its anatomical meaning, the term "tubercle" is also used in medicine to designate a specific lesion in tuberculosis - tuberculosis tubercle. This is a local inflammatory-necrotic tissue lesion that looks like a dense nodule.



Tubercle is a disorder in the body that can lead to serious consequences if left untreated. Occurring on the surface of the bones, either top or bottom, it is a small protrusion-like formation that is visible to the naked eye and visually identified by the hands. It is worth noting that it is most often found on the humerus and hip bones. However, even if you do not know the medical term, it will be easy to determine the exact nature of the elevation at hand - especially when it is accompanied by pain or discomfort.

Unlike pathology of the upper extremities, subcutaneous formation on the lower extremities is hardly noticeable to the naked eye. Most often it appears on the shin and tibia bones in the area of ​​the popliteal fossa, and can have a sizeable size exceeding 5 cm. It often acts as a cosmetic defect that limits physical activity. If the formation continues to increase in size, it is no longer possible to do without using an operation aimed at removing the protrusion.

The bones in the human body are arranged in a special way: the surface of the bone layers is covered with porous tissues with nerve endings and