The capitate bone is classified as a short bone.
The capitate is the largest of the eight carpal bones located in the wrist (carpus). Short bones, as their name suggests, are approximately equal in length, width, and thickness. Their primary function is to provide stability and support while allowing for some motion. The capitate is located in the distal row of carpal bones and articulates with the second, third, and fourth metacarpal bones of the hand. Its shape is roughly head-shaped, hence the name "capitate" (from the Latin "capitatus," meaning "having a head").
Other examples of short bones include the other carpal bones in the wrist (scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, pisiform, trapezium, trapezoid, and hamate) and the tarsal bones in the ankle (talus, calcaneus, navicular, cuboid, and the three cuneiforms).
