cóndilo

Cóndilo refers to a rounded protuberance at the end of a bone, most commonly found at a joint. These smooth, typically cartilaginous surfaces are essential for articulation, allowing bones to glide against each other with minimal friction. The shape of a cóndilo is often adapted to fit with the corresponding surface of an adjacent bone, forming a specific type of joint. For example, the occipital cóndilos of the skull articulate with the first cervical vertebra, the atlas, enabling nodding movements of the head. Similarly, the cóndilos of the femur articulate with the cóndilos of the tibia at the knee joint, facilitating flexion and extension. The presence of a cóndilo facilitates smooth and stable movement within a joint. In some cases, cóndilos can also serve as attachment points for ligaments and muscles, further contributing to joint stability and function. Inflammation or damage to a cóndilo can lead to pain and restricted movement in the affected joint.