capitulum

The capitulum is a Latin term meaning “little head” used across disciplines to denote a small headlike structure or a short chapter or section.

In human anatomy, capitulum usually refers to the capitulum humeri, the rounded distal articular surface of the humerus that articulates with the head of the radius, forming part of the elbow joint. It can also denote any similarly small rounded articular eminence on a bone.

In botany, capitulum describes a compact inflorescence, a flower head typical of the family Asteraceae. The head is composed of numerous florets on a short receptacle and is often surrounded by bracts called phyllaries. In many species it comprises central disk flowers and peripheral ray flowers.

In ecclesiastical Latin usage, capitulum denotes a short reading or a small chapter, especially a liturgical or scriptural passage read or chanted during religious services or the Divine Office.

The term’s use is specialized by field; context determines whether capitulum refers to anatomy, botany, linguistics, or liturgy. The underlying meaning—“little head”—persists across these senses.