Capitatum

/ˌkæp.ɪˈtɑ.tum/ noun

Definition

The capitate bone; one of the carpal (wrist) bones in humans that resembles a head on a stalk.

Etymology

From Latin capitatum (neuter nominative singular of capitatus, 'having a head'), used directly as the anatomical name. The bone is named for its shape.

Kelly Says

If you look at a skeleton's wrist bones, the capitatum really does look like a little round head on a stick! Medieval anatomists named it perfectly, and we still use the Latin name in modern anatomy because it's so descriptive.

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