Flexor retinaculum

The Flexor Retinaculum is a fibrous band of connective tissue located in the wrist. It serves as a passageway for the median nerve and the tendons of the flexor muscles of the hand.

Anatomy

The flexor retinaculum is a strong, fibrous band that extends from the scaphoid bone and trapezium bone on the radial side of the wrist to the pisiform bone and hook of the hamate on the ulnar side. It forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway that allows the median nerve and the tendons of the flexor muscles to pass from the forearm into the hand.

Function

The primary function of the flexor retinaculum is to hold the tendons of the flexor muscles in place as they pass through the carpal tunnel. This prevents the tendons from bowing outwards when the muscles contract, ensuring efficient transmission of force from the muscles to the fingers.

Clinical Significance

The flexor retinaculum is clinically significant because of its role in carpal tunnel syndrome, a common condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand due to compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel. Treatment may involve surgical release of the flexor retinaculum to relieve pressure on the nerve.

See Also

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Median Nerve
• Flexor Muscles

References

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