Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study
English
Login Register
Anatomy
Basics
Terminology Introduction to the musculoskeletal system Introduction to the other systems
Upper limb
Overview Shoulder and arm Elbow and forearm Wrist and hand Nerves and vessels
Lower limb
Overview Hip and thigh Knee and leg Ankle and foot Nerves and vessels
Spine and back
Overview Spine Back
Thorax
Thoracic wall Female breast Mediastinum Lungs Heart
Abdomen
Abdominal wall Peritoneum Stomach Spleen Liver Pancreas Small intestine Large intestine Kidneys and ureters Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the abdomen
Pelvis and perineum
Pelvic girdle and floor Female pelvis and reproductive organs Male pelvis and reproductive organs Urinary bladder and urethra Perineum Nerves, vessels and lymphatics of the pelvis
Head and neck
Overview Skull Face and scalp Infratemporal region and pterygopalatine fossa Orbit and contents Nasal region Ear Oral cavity Teeth Pharynx Neck
Neuroanatomy
Overview Cerebrum Diencephalon Cerebellum Brainstem Meninges, ventricular system and subarachnoid space Blood supply of the brain Spinal cord Pathways of the nervous system Cranial nerves Peripheral nervous system
Cross sections
Head and neck Upper limb Thorax Abdomen Male pelvis Female pelvis Lower limb
Radiological anatomy
Head and neck Thorax Abdomen and pelvis Upper limb Lower limb
Histology
Types of tissues
Introduction to cells and tissues Epithelial tissue Connective tissue Cartilage and bone Muscle tissue Nervous tissue
Body systems
Cardiovascular system Nervous system Integumentary system Respiratory system Urinary system Endocrine system Digestive system Lymphoid system Male reproductive system Female reproductive system Eye and ear
Courses
Anatomy
Basics Upper limb Lower limb Spine and back Thorax Abdomen Pelvis and perineum Head and neck Neuroanatomy Cross sections Radiological anatomy
Histology
Types of tissues Body systems
Articles
Anatomy
Basics Upper limb Lower limb Spine and back Thorax Abdomen Pelvis and perineum Head and neck Neuroanatomy Cross sections Radiological anatomy
Histology
Types of tissues Body systems
ArticlesAnatomyUpper limbWrist and handCapitate bone
Table of contents
Ready to learn?
Pick your favorite study tool

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!

ArticlesAnatomyUpper limbWrist and handCapitate bone

Capitate bone

Author: Ruvimbo Chiswo, MD • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: April 28, 2024
Reading time: 1 minute

Recommended video: Carpal bones [14:11]
The eight bones of the wrist, known as the carpal bones, and related bony landmarks.
Capitate bone
Os capitatum
1/13
Synonyms: none

The capitate bone is the largest of the eight carpal bones found in the hand.

It is a head-shaped bone located in the distal row of the carpal bones proximal to the second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones. The capitate bone is classified as a short bone. A short bone is a bone that is roughly shaped as a cube with almost equal length, width, and thickness.

The capitate bone has a head, and a rounded extremity referred to as the base. The head of the capitate bone projects into the concavity formed by the lunate and scaphoid bones.

The capitate bone also has multiple articular surfaces. The proximal surface articulates with the scaphoid and lunate. The distal surface articulates with the base of the third metacarpal. It has smaller articulations with the base of the second and fourth metacarpal bones. The medial surface is the largest articular surface for the hamate bone, while the lateral surface articulates with the trapezoid.

Terminology English: capitate bone 
Latin: Os capitatum
Definition  Largest bone of the eight carpal bones 
Function  Articulates with the trapezoid, scaphoid, lunate, hamate and third metacarpal bone. 

Learn more about the capitate bone in this study unit and article: 

Bones of the wrist and hand Explore study unit
Carpal bones Read article

Sources

All content published on Kenhub is reviewed by medical and anatomy experts. The information we provide is grounded on academic literature and peer-reviewed research. Kenhub does not provide medical advice. You can learn more about our content creation and review standards by reading our content quality guidelines.
  • Standring, S. (2008) Gray's Anatomy The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 40th Edition, Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, London

Capitate bone: want to learn more about it?

Our engaging videos, interactive quizzes, in-depth articles and HD atlas are here to get you top results faster.

What do you prefer to learn with?

Videos Quizzes Both

“I would honestly say that Kenhub cut my study time in half.” – Read more.

Kim Bengochea Kim Bengochea, Regis University, Denver
© Unless stated otherwise, all content, including illustrations are exclusive property of Kenhub GmbH, and are protected by German and international copyright laws. All rights reserved.

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!