Palmar carpal ligament

Palmar Carpal Ligament

Palmar carpal ligament (in red) in relation to other parts of the hand

The Palmar Carpal Ligament (also known as the Anterior Carpal Ligament or Volar Carpal Ligament) is a fibrous band in the human hand that extends across the front of the carpal bones.

Anatomy

The Palmar Carpal Ligament is a thick, fibrous band of connective tissue that spans the anterior surface of the carpal bones. It is attached medially to the pisiform bone and hamate bone, and laterally to the scaphoid bone and trapezium bone.

Function

The primary function of the Palmar Carpal Ligament is to protect the underlying tendons, nerves, and blood vessels from external pressure and injury. It also helps to maintain the alignment of the carpal bones and provides a smooth surface for the tendons to glide over during hand and wrist movements.

Clinical Significance

Injury or inflammation of the Palmar Carpal Ligament can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which is characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers. Treatment may involve rest, immobilization, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery to release the ligament.

See Also

• Carpal bones
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Hand anatomy