What term is used to describe a narrow ridge?

The term "crest" is used to describe a narrow ridge primarily due to its anatomical significance in various bones throughout the body. In anatomy, a crest refers to a prominent, often slightly raised edge or ridge on a bone, which serves as an important site for muscle attachment or as a defining landmark for the structure of the bone. An example of a crest is the iliac crest found on the upper border of the ilium, part of the pelvis.

In contrast, other terms such as epicondyle, spine, and tubercle have distinct anatomical meanings that do not specifically describe a narrow ridge. An epicondyle generally refers to a raised area above a condyle, where ligaments and tendons attach, while a spine describes a more prominent pointed projection or a sharp process on a bone. A tubercle refers to a small, knob-like projection, which is also different from the concept of a narrow ridge. Thus, "crest" is the term that accurately conveys the specific feature of a narrow ridge in anatomical contexts.