Condyle vs. Epicondyle — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
A condyle is a rounded protrusion at the end of a bone that articulates with another bone, facilitating movement. An epicondyle is a bony prominence adjacent to a condyle, often serving as a site for muscle or ligament attachment.
Difference Between Condyle and Epicondyle
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A condyle and an epicondyle are both anatomical structures found in bones, specifically in the joints. A condyle is a rounded, knobby surface at the end of a bone that helps form a joint, allowing articulation with another bone. An epicondyle, on the other hand, is a bony prominence located near or adjacent to a condyle.
Condyles are typically found in long bones, especially at the ends, where they form part of the joints. Examples include the condyles of the femur in the knee. Epicondyles are smaller, raised areas of bone that are usually adjacent to the condyles and serve as attachment points for muscles, tendons, or ligaments. For example, the medial and lateral epicondyles of the humerus are where forearm muscles attach.
Functionally, condyles help to facilitate movement by interacting with another bone or cartilage. They can be part of various types of joints, including hinge and ball-and-socket joints. Epicondyles don't directly participate in joint articulation but instead serve as points where soft tissues like muscles or ligaments attach, thereby aiding in mechanical leverage and motion.
In summary, while both condyles and epicondyles are related to joints, they have different functions and locations. Condyles are larger, rounded protrusions that facilitate joint movement, while epicondyles are smaller and serve as attachment points for muscles or ligaments.
Comparison Chart
Location
End of a bone
Adjacent to a condyle
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Function
Articulation with another bone
Attachment for muscles or ligaments
Structure
Rounded, knobby surface
Smaller, raised area of bone
Examples
Femur, humerus
Humerus, femur
Role in Movement
Direct
Indirect
Compare with Definitions
Condyle
A condyle is involved in forming joints.
The condyle of the humerus forms part of the elbow joint.
Epicondyle
An epicondyle is smaller than a condyle.
The epicondyles of the femur are smaller than its condyles.
Condyle
A condyle is a rounded protrusion at the end of a bone.
The femur has two condyles that articulate with the tibia.
Epicondyle
An epicondyle serves as an attachment point for soft tissues.
Tendons and ligaments attach to the epicondyle.
Condyle
A condyle articulates with another bone or cartilage.
The condyle of the jawbone articulates with the temporal bone.
Epicondyle
An epicondyle is a bony prominence near a condyle.
The humerus has both a medial and lateral epicondyle.
Condyle
A condyle can be part of various types of joints.
The condyle in the knee is part of a hinge joint.
Epicondyle
An epicondyle does not directly participate in joint articulation.
The epicondyle assists in movement but does not form the joint.
Condyle
A condyle ( or ; Latin: condylus, from Greek: kondylos; κόνδυλος knuckle) is the round prominence at the end of a bone, most often part of a joint - an articulation with another bone. It is one of the markings or features of bones, and can refer to: On the femur, in the knee joint: Medial condyle Lateral condyle On the tibia, in the knee joint: Medial condyle Lateral condyle On the humerus, in the elbow joint: Condyle of humerus (Condylus humeri) On the mandible, in the temporomandibular joint: Mandibular condyle On the occipital bone, in the atlanto-occipital joint: Occipital condylesAlthough not generally termed condyles, the trochlea and capitulum of the humerus act as condyles in the elbow, and the femur head acts as a condyle in the hip joint.
Epicondyle
An epicondyle aids in mechanical leverage and motion.
The epicondyle provides an anchor point for muscles, aiding in movement.
Condyle
A rounded prominence at the end of a bone, most often for articulation with another bone.
Epicondyle
An epicondyle () is a rounded eminence on a bone that lies upon a condyle (epi-, "upon" + condyle, from a root meaning "knuckle" or "rounded articular area"). There are various epicondyles in the human skeleton, each named by its anatomic site.
Condyle
(anatomy) A smooth prominence on a bone where it forms a joint with another bone.
Epicondyle
A rounded projection at the end of a bone, located on or above a condyle and usually serving as a place of attachment for ligaments and tendons.
Condyle
A bony prominence; particularly, an eminence at the end of a bone bearing a rounded articular surface; - sometimes applied also to a concave articular surface.
Epicondyle
(anatomy) A protuberance above the condyle of a bone to which ligaments or tendons are attached.
Condyle
A round bump on a bone where it forms a joint with another bone
Epicondyle
A projection on the inner side of the distal end of the humerus; the internal condyle.
Condyle
A condyle is an anatomical structure that facilitates movement.
The condyle helps in the smooth operation of the knee joint.
Epicondyle
A projection on a bone above a condyle serving for the attachment of muscles and ligaments
Common Curiosities
What is an epicondyle?
An epicondyle is a bony prominence adjacent to a condyle.
Where is a condyle located?
At the end of long bones, typically.
Where is an epicondyle located?
Near or adjacent to a condyle.
What is the function of an epicondyle?
To serve as an attachment point for muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
Do epicondyles articulate with other bones?
No, they do not.
What is the function of a condyle?
To facilitate articulation with another bone or cartilage.
What is a condyle?
A condyle is a rounded protrusion at the end of a bone involved in joint formation.
Are condyles and epicondyles made of cartilage?
No, they are made of bone.
Can both condyles and epicondyles be found in the same bone?
Yes, they often are.
Can an injury to an epicondyle be serious?
It can be, as it may affect muscle or ligament attachment.
Do condyles articulate with other bones?
Yes, they do.
Are condyles larger than epicondyles?
Generally, yes.
Are condyles and epicondyles only found in humans?
No, they are found in many vertebrates.
Can an injury to a condyle be serious?
Yes, as it could affect joint function.
Are condyles and epicondyles subject to diseases?
Yes, they can be affected by conditions like arthritis or fractures.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
