The flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament) is attached medially to the pisiform and hamate hook and laterally to which structures?

• A Scaphoid and capitate
• B Radius and trapezoid
• C Lunate and trapezium
• D Scaphoid tubercle and trapezium ✓

Explanation

The flexor retinaculum spans the carpal tunnel. Its medial attachment is to the pisiform and the hook of hamate; its lateral attachment is to the tubercle of scaphoid and the crest (tubercle) of trapezium. Understanding this anatomy is important in carpal tunnel syndrome, where surgical release of the flexor retinaculum relieves median nerve compression. The tunnel transmits nine flexor tendons (FDS x4, FDP x4, FPL x1) and the median nerve; the ulnar nerve passes superficial to the retinaculum in Guyon's canal.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.