The capitulum is located on the inferolateral aspect of the condyle of the humerus.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- What is it? The capitulum (also sometimes spelled capitellum) is a smooth, rounded, and convex projection.
- Where on the humerus? It's found at the distal end of the humerus, which is the lower end of the upper arm bone. More specifically, it is located on the condyle of the humerus.
- What is the condyle? The condyle of the humerus refers to the expanded area at the distal end that articulates with the bones of the forearm (radius and ulna) to form the elbow joint.
- Laterally located: The capitulum is the lateral portion (meaning it's on the thumb side when the arm is in anatomical position) of the two articular surfaces found on the condyle. The other articular surface is the trochlea, which is located medially (towards the body's midline).
- What does it articulate with? The capitulum articulates with the head of the radius, which is one of the bones in the forearm.
Therefore, to be absolutely precise, the capitulum sits on the bottom and outside part of the humerus where it forms part of the elbow joint by connecting with the radius bone.
