The term cond denotes which anatomical feature?

• A. Pupil
• B. Skin
• C. Knuckle
• D. Clavicle

Answer: (C)

In anatomy shorthand, cond- or condylo- points to a condyle, which is a rounded bone prominence that forms part of a joint. The knuckle on your hand is the visible joint where the end of a metacarpal bone meets a phalanx, a classic example of a rounded articular surface. That knuckle region is the counterpart of a condyle on bones, where joint movement occurs. The pupil and skin are soft tissues, not bony joint surfaces, and while the clavicle is a bone, it isn’t defined by a condensed term for a rounded joint surface. So cond denotes the knuckle because it refers to the rounded articulation area at a joint.