CAPITULUM COSTAE Meaning and
Definition
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Capitulum costae refers to the head or the head-shaped part of the rib bone. In human anatomy, the rib cage consists of twelve pairs of ribs that are attached to the spine at the back and connect to the sternum or the breastbone at the front. Each rib has two ends, with one end linking to the vertebrae and the other end connecting to the sternum. The connection to the vertebrae is made through the head of the rib, which is the capitulum costae.
The capitulum costae is a rounded and knob-like structure present at the posterior end of each rib. It articulates or forms a joint with the corresponding thoracic vertebra to provide stability and flexibility to the rib cage. This joint in the spine allows for slight movement and expansion of the rib cage during breathing.
The head of the rib or the capitulum costae has a smooth surface, covered in hyaline cartilage, which reduces friction and allows for smooth movement of the joint. Ligaments and muscles also play a role in supporting and stabilizing the joint between the capitulum costae and the thoracic vertebra.
The capitulum costae is an essential part of the rib bone, contributing to the structural integrity of the rib cage and facilitating movements involved in respiration. Understanding the anatomy and function of the capitulum costae is crucial in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions or injuries related to the rib cage.
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The head of a rib articulating by two facets with the bodies of two contiguous vertebrae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CAPITULUM COSTAE
- xapitulum costae
- vapitulum costae
- fapitulum costae
- dapitulum costae
- czpitulum costae
- cspitulum costae
- cwpitulum costae
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- caoitulum costae
- calitulum costae
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- ca0itulum costae
- caputulum costae
- capjtulum costae
- capktulum costae
- capotulum costae
- cap9tulum costae
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- capirulum costae
- capifulum costae
Etymology of CAPITULUM COSTAE
The term "capitulum costae" comes from Latin.
- "Capitulum" means "small head" or "little head" in Latin, which refers to the rounded end or a small protuberance resembling a head.
- "Costae" translates to "ribs" in Latin, specifically the plural form of "costa", meaning "rib".
Therefore, "capitulum costae" can be roughly translated as "the small head of the rib" or "the little head of the rib" in English.
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