The spelling of "caput femoris" can seem intimidating at first glance, but breaking it down with IPA phonetic transcription can make it easier to understand. "Caput" is pronounced with the [kæpʊt] sound, while "femoris" is pronounced with the [ˈfɛmərɪs] sound. When written together without spaces, the word is spelled as "caputfemoris." This medical term refers to the head of the thigh bone, and is used in anatomy and orthopedics. Proper spelling is essential in the medical field to ensure clear communication and accurate diagnoses.
Caput femoris, commonly known as the femoral head, refers to the rounded, prominent end of the femur bone that is located within the hip joint. It is an essential structure of the skeletal system and plays a crucial role in the functioning of the hip joint.
The caput femoris is a round-shaped structure that is covered with a smooth layer of articular cartilage, allowing it to glide smoothly within the acetabulum, which is the socket-like structure in the pelvis that forms the hip joint. This cartilage acts as a cushion, reducing friction and providing stability while facilitating the movement of the femur.
The caput femoris connects with the femoral neck, which is a narrower structure linking the femoral head to the shaft of the femur. Together, they form the proximal part of the femur, commonly referred to as the hip. The caput femoris is joined to the femoral neck by a region known as the junction.
The femoral head is supplied with essential blood vessels, known as the acetabular artery and the retinacular arteries, which provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen required for the healthy functioning of the bone.
Any injury or disorder affecting the caput femoris can lead to various hip problems, such as fractures, avascular necrosis, or osteoarthritis, all of which can significantly impair the proper functioning of the hip joint. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the health of the caput femoris to ensure normal hip movement and overall musculoskeletal well-being.
Head of the femur, hemispherical articular surface at the upper extremity of the femur, which fits into the acetabulum to form the hipjoint.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "caput femoris" is derived from Latin.
- "Caput" means "head" in Latin and refers to the head of the femur bone in the hip joint.
- "Femoris" is the genitive form of "femur", which means "thigh" in Latin. It specifically refers to the femur bone, which is the long bone in the upper leg between the hip and the knee.
So, "caput femoris" translates to "head of the femur" in English.