The bones of the skeletal system have many features associated with their base structure. These elements may be projections or process' which are points of attachment for muscles and ligaments. Others may by holes or depressions for articulations or the passage for nerves or vessels. Below is a list of the features commonly seen, a brief definition and an example.
| Condyle | a rounded process which usually articulates with another bone | Occipital condyle of the occipital bone |
| Crest | a narrow, ridge-like projection | Iliac crest of the pelvic bone |
| Epicondyle | a projection situated above a condyle | Medial epicondyle of the humerus |
| Facet | a small, nearly flat surface | rib facet of T1-T12 |
| Fontanel | a soft spot in the skull where membranes cover the space between bones | Anterior fontanel between frontal and parietal bones |
| Foramen | an opening through a bone, which usually serves as a passageway for blood vessels, nerves or ligaments | Foramen Magnum of occipital bone |
| Fossa | a relatively deep pit or depression | Olecranon fossa of the humerus |
| Fovea | a tiny pit or depression | Fovea capitis of the femur |
| Head | an enlarged end of a bone | Head of the humerus |
| Meatus | a tubelike passageway within a bone | Auditory meatus of the ear |
| Process | a prominent projection of a bone | Mastoid process of the temporal bone |
| Sinus | a cavity within a bone | Frontal sinus of the frontal bone |
| Spine | a thornlike projection | Spine of the scapula |
| Suture | an interlocking line of union between bones | Lamboidal suture between occipital and parietal bones |
| Trochanter | a relatively large process | Greater trochanter of the femur |
| Tubercle | a small, knoblike process | Greater tubercle of the humerus |
| Tuberosity | a knoblike process usually larger than a tubercle | Radial tuberosity of the radius |