Capitate Bone – Universal Learn

Quick Facts

Location: Hand
Bone Type: Short bone
Key Features: Head, base, palmar and dorsal surfaces; scaphoid and hamate articular facets
Articulation: Trapezoid, scaphoid, lunate, hamate bones; second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones
Arterial Supply: Deep palmar arch, dorsal carpal branch of radial artery, dorsal carpal branch of ulnar artery

General Description: The capitate is the largest of the eight carpal bones in the hand.
Physical Characteristics:
- Parts: Head and base
- Surfaces: Palmar and dorsal
- Landmarks: Articular facets for trapezoid, scaphoid, lunate, hamate bones; facets for second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones
Location & Articulation:
- Proximal to: Second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones
- Distal to: Lunate bone
- Medial to: Scaphoid and trapezoid bones
- Lateral to: Hamate bone
- Articulates at: Trapeziocapitate, scaphocapitate, lunocapitate, capitohamate joints; carpometacarpal joints (second, third, and fourth metacarpals)

Palpation: The capitate bone can be palpated on the dorsal aspect of the wrist, proximal to the third metacarpal bone

Carpal Fusion: Coalition between the capitate and hamate bones, forming the capitohamate bone
Accessory Bone: The os centrale may be present between the scaphoid, capitate, and trapezoid bones