Capitulum of humerus

Author: Edwin Ocran, MBChB, MSc • Reviewer: Dimitrios Mytilinaios, MD, PhD
Last reviewed: March 11, 2024
Reading time: 2 minutes

The capitulum of humerus is the smooth, rounded articular surface located laterally on the distal end of the humerus. It is derived from the Latin term meaning 'little head'. It covers the anterior and inferior surfaces and does not extend to the posterior aspect of the distal humerus. A faint groove separates it from the pulley-shaped trochlea, which is located medially.

The capitulum of humerus articulates with the head of radius to form the humeroradial joint, one of two main articulations in the elbow. The other articulation is the humeroulnar joint, formed between the trochlear notch of the ulna and the trochlea of the humerus.

Above the capitulum, on its anterior aspect, lies a shallow depression known as the radial fossa. This indentation accommodates the edge of the radial head during full flexion of the forearm.

Terminology	English: Capitulum of humerus Latin: Capitulum humeri
Definition	Rounded articular surface located laterally on the distal end of the humerus
Function	Articulates with the head of radius forming the humeroradial joint

Learn more about the capitulum of humerus in the following study unit:

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.

Drake, R., Vogl, W., Mitchell, A. & Gray, H. (2015). Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier.
McKinley, M. & Loughlin, V. (2012). Human anatomy. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Mescher, A. L., & Junqueira, L. C. (2013). Junqueira's basic histology: Text & atlas. McGraw-Hill Medical.
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F., & Agur, A. M. R. (2014). Clinically Oriented Anatomy (7th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2016). Gray's Anatomy (41st ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone

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