The rough ridge on the femur is known as which feature?

• A. Crista intertrochanterica
• B. Trochanter major
• C. Linea aspera
• D. Condylus medialis femoris

Answer: (C)

The rough ridge along the shaft of the femur is the linea aspera. This prominent, longitudinal crest sits on the posterior surface of the femoral diaphysis and can appear as a split into medial and lateral lips. It’s a key attachment site for several thigh muscles, such as the adductors and parts of the quadriceps, which gives it that rough texture.

Other features name different parts: the intertrochanteric crest (crista intertrochanterica) is the posterior ridge linking the greater and lesser trochanters near the hip, the greater trochanter (trochanter major) is a large bump near the proximal femur, and the medial condyle (condylus medialis femoris) is at the distal end of the bone.