The transverse carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) forms the roof of the carpal tunnel and its distal attachment is to the:

• A Pisiform and hamate on the ulnar side; scaphoid tubercle and trapezium on the radial side ✓
• B Hook of hamate and trapezoid on the ulnar side; trapezium and scaphoid on the radial side
• C Pisiform and hook of hamate on the ulnar side; trapezium on the radial side — flexor retinaculum has a bilaminar distal attachment
• D Uniform attachment across all eight carpal bones

Explanation

The flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament) attaches medially to the pisiform and the hook of hamate, and laterally to the scaphoid tubercle and the tubercle of trapezium. This creates the carpal tunnel through which pass the median nerve and the nine flexor tendons (4 FDS, 4 FDP, 1 FPL). Compression of the median nerve produces carpal tunnel syndrome. Option A correctly names the four bony attachments; option B incorrectly substitutes trapezoid for hamate. The ligament is not bilaminar at its distal end in standard descriptions.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.