The capitate bone is the largest and most central carpal bone. It is easily distinguished by its proximal rounded end, known as the head, hence the name of the bone. The ovoid-shaped head articulates proximally with the hollow concavity formed by the lunate bone and scaphoid bone.

The capitate is larger distally, and its distal end resembles a square-shaped base. The dorsal aspect of the bone appears triangular-shaped.

The capitate is not only the largest carpal bone but also forms the largest number of articulations. Distally, it articulates with the second metacarpal bone, third metacarpal bone, and fourth metacarpal bone, proximally with the scaphoid and lunate, while medially with the hamate bone and laterally with the trapezoid bone. Therefore, it has the following seven articular surfaces:

Articular surface for lunate - deeply convex;
Articular surface for scaphoid - somewhat spherical-shaped;
Articular surface for trapezoid - concave and strip-like;
Articular surface for second metacarpal - small; directed laterally;
Articular surface for third metacarpal - roughly triangular-shaped; broader towards the dorsal aspect, while narrower towards the palmar surface;
Articular surface for fourth metacarpal - very small; found on the dorsal rim;
Articular surface for hamate - large strip-like surface; deeper proximally and narrows towards the distal aspect.

The articulation between the capitate and the fourth metacarpal bone is present occasionally.

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Capitate