5 Questions
What is the function of the flexor retinaculum?
The flexor retinaculum is the roof of the carpal tunnel, through which the median nerve and tendons of muscles which flex the hand pass.
What bones does the flexor retinaculum attach to on the ulnar side?
The flexor retinaculum attaches to the pisiform bone and the hook of the hamate bone on the ulnar side.
What structures pass on top of the flexor retinaculum?
The ulnar artery and ulnar nerve, and the cutaneous branches of the median and ulnar nerves, pass on top of the flexor retinaculum.
What is the relationship between the flexor retinaculum and the palmar carpal ligament?
The flexor retinaculum is continuous with the palmar carpal ligament.
Where does the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis lie in relation to the flexor retinaculum?
On the radial side of the retinaculum is the tendon of the flexor carpi radialis, which lies in the groove on the greater multangular between the attachments of the ligament to the bone.
Study Notes
Flexor Retinaculum Function and Anatomy
- The flexor retinaculum serves as a fibro-osseous canal that retains the flexor tendons in place, preventing bowstringing.
- On the ulnar side, the flexor retinaculum attaches to the pisiform bone and the hook of the hamate bone.
- The flexor retinaculum forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, and the median nerve and tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor digitorum superficialis muscles pass underneath it.
- The flexor retinaculum is deep to the palmar carpal ligament, and together they form a fibro-osseous tunnel that contains the flexor tendons.
- The tendon of the flexor carpi radialis lies superficial to the flexor retinaculum, passing through a separate canal formed by the flexor retinaculum and the scaphoid bone.
Test your knowledge of the flexor retinaculum with this quiz. Learn about the structure and function of this fibrous band that forms the carpal tunnel in the hand.
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