Editing Tubercle (section)

==In humans==
Within the human body, there are numerous sites where tubercles develop.  On bones, they are usually eminences used for [[muscle]] connections. Larger tubercles are also known as ''tuberosities''.

===Mouth===
Tubercles are usually found behind the last [[molar (tooth)|molar]] in the upper jaw, covered by the [[Gingiva|gum]]. Surgery can be done to make tubercles less prominent.<ref>[http://www.colgate.com/app/Colgate/US/OC/Information/OralHealthBasics/CheckupsDentProc/DenturesAndDentalImplants/TuberosityReduction.cvsp "What is Tuberosity Reduction?", Colgate World of Care]</ref>

===Bones===
{{Main|Tubercle (human skeleton)}}
In the [[human skeleton]], a ''tubercle'' or ''tuberosity'' is a protrusion that serves as an attachment for [[skeletal muscle]]s. The muscles attach by [[tendon]]s, where the [[enthesis]] is the connective tissue between the tendon and [[bone]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.medcyclopaedia.com/library/topics/volume_iii_1/e/enthesis.aspx|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120205102809/http://www.medcyclopaedia.com/library/topics/volume_iii_1/e/enthesis.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-02-05|title=enthesis|publisher=[[General Electric|GE]]|work=Medcyclopaedia}}</ref> For example, the [[tibial tuberosity]] creates an attachment point for the [[knee|ligamentum patellae]], or patellar ligament.

===Lungs===
{{Main|Tuberculosis}}
Tubercles are nodules that contain [[caseous necrosis]], which form in the lungs as a result of an infection with ''[[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]'' in the patients with [[tuberculosis]].  [[Granuloma]]s form in the infected tissue and undergo [[necrosis]] in the centre.  Tubercles are also known as tuberculous nodules, or [[tuberculoma]]s. The affected parts develop lesions in the form of small nodules called tubercles, from which the disease gets its name.

===Ears===
Around the sixth week of gestation, six swellings of tissue, called the ''hillocks of His'',{{efn|Named after [[Wilhelm His Sr.]] who first described them in 1855.<ref>Davis, Jack (1997). ''Otoplasty''. Springer, p. 24. {{ISBN|978-1-4612-7484-1}}</ref>}} arise around the area that will form the [[ear]] canal.<ref name="Anthwal">{{cite journal |last1=Anthwal |first1=Neal |last2=Thompson |first2=Hannah |title=The development of the mammalian outer and middle ear |journal=Journal of Anatomy |date=February 2016 |volume=228 |issue=2 |pages=217–232 |doi=10.1111/joa.12344|pmid=26227955 |pmc=4718165 }}</ref> These eventually coalesce to form the outer ear. [[Darwin's tubercle]] is a minor malformation of the junction of the fourth and fifth hillocks of His. It is found in a substantial minority of people and takes the form of a cartilaginous node or bump on the rim of their outer ear, which is thought to be the vestige of a joint that allowed the top part of the ancestral ear to swivel or flop down over the opening to the ear.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five things humans no longer need |author=Laura Spinney |url=https://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13927-five-things-humans-no-longer-need.html |newspaper=NewScientist.com news service |date=19 May 2008 <!--DASHBot-->| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724005343/http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn13927-five-things-humans-no-longer-need.html | archive-date=24 July 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref>

===Genitals===
The [[genital tubercle]] is a small bump that eventually develops into a [[Human penis|penis]] or a [[clitoris]] on a human [[fetus]].

===Brain===
The [[septotubercular tract]] can be found in the human, as well as in the sheep brain. It is found nearby the [[septohypothalamic tract]]. Its function to the brain is ambiguous at this point.{{citation needed|date=November 2013}}

Also, the [[tuberculum sellae]] is found at the base of the skull, which holds the [[Pituitary gland|hypophysis]].