The dorsal aspect of its base presents on its radial side a pyramidal eminence, the styloid process, which extends upward behind the capitate; immediately distal to this is a rough surface for the attachment of the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle.

The carpal articular facet is concave behind, flat in front, and articulates with the capitate.

On the radial side is a smooth, concave facet for articulation with the second metacarpal, and on the ulnar side two small oval facets for the fourth metacarpal.

The ossification process begins in the shaft during prenatal life, and in the head between the 11th and 27th months.

[1] This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 228 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)