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capitate

capitate

1 9.9
The largest bone in the wrist at the center that connects to the middle finger
  • noun
  • /ˈkæpɪteɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : hueso capitado
  • The capitate bone is essential for wrist movement.

Examples

  • Fractures of the capitate are rare compared to other carpal bones.

  • An X-ray revealed an injury to the capitate following the fall.

  • The capitate is the largest of the carpals and lies at the center of the wrist.

  • In anatomy, the capitate is the largest carpal bone.

  • The capitate is the largest bone in the wrist and connects with the metacarpal bones.

  • In humans, the capitate bone articulates with the third metacarpal, allowing for hand flexibility.

  • The anatomical structure of the hand includes the capitate, which plays a crucial role in wrist movements.

Synonyms

capitate bone
vscapitate
  • Specialized
6.6

A large bone in the middle of the wrist that connects to the base of the middle finger

is the shorter anatomical term used without the noun bone
os capitatum
vscapitate
  • Specialized
9.9

A large bone in the middle of the wrist that joins the middle finger bone

is the English anatomical name rather than the Latin form

Compounds

capitate bone
  • Specialized
6.6

A large bone in the middle of the wrist that connects to the base of the middle finger

Surface Forms

capitate singular
capitates plural

Etymology

Capitate comes from the Latin word caput meaning 'head', and the wrist bone called the capitate is named because it has a round, head-like top. Think of words like capital or decapitate, which also come from caput, to remember this bone is the 'head' of the wrist bones.