A 55-year-old typist with long-standing diabetes develops carpal tunnel syndrome. During open carpal tunnel release, the surgeon identifies tendons within the tunnel. Which of the following tendons does NOT pass through the carpal tunnel?
- A Flexor digitorum superficialis tendons
- B Flexor digitorum profundus tendons
- C Flexor carpi ulnaris tendon ✓
- D Flexor pollicis longus tendon
Correct answer: C. Flexor carpi ulnaris tendon
Explanation
The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve, four tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis, four tendons of flexor digitorum profundus, and one tendon of flexor pollicis longus (nine tendons total). The flexor carpi ulnaris inserts onto the pisiform, hook of hamate, and base of the fifth metacarpal; its tendon does not traverse the carpal tunnel but instead lies superficial and ulnar to it.
Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.