Carpal arch

The carpal arch is a structural feature of the human hand, specifically located within the wrist. It is formed by the carpal bones and serves as a passageway for the median nerve and the flexor tendons.

Anatomy

The carpal arch is composed of two rows of carpal bones. The proximal row includes the scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum, and pisiform bones. The distal row includes the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate bones. These bones are connected by the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal arch.

The carpal arch is a crucial component of the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway that allows the median nerve and flexor tendons to pass from the forearm into the hand. The median nerve provides sensation to the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and half of the ring finger, while the flexor tendons enable the fingers to bend.

Clinical Significance

Due to its role in housing the median nerve and flexor tendons, the carpal arch is often implicated in carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed within the carpal tunnel, often as a result of repetitive hand movements or wrist positioning.

See Also

• Carpal bones
• Carpal tunnel
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Median nerve
• Flexor tendons

References

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