The head is globular and forms rather more than a hemisphere, is directed upward, medialward, and a little forward, the greater part of its convexity being above and in front.

The thickest region of the articular cartilage is at the centre of the femoral head, measuring up to 2.8 mm.

The fovea capitis is a small, concave depression within the head of the femur that serves as an attachment point for the ligamentum teres (Saladin).

The head of the femur is relevant to orthopedic surgery because it can undergo avascular necrosis and consequent osteochondritis dissecans.

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 243 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)