Which one of the following structures does NOT pass deep to the flexor retinaculum within the carpal tunnel?

• A Tendon of flexor carpi radialis ✓
• B Median nerve
• C Tendon of flexor pollicis longus
• D Four tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis

Explanation

The carpal tunnel contains the median nerve, four flexor digitorum superficialis tendons, four flexor digitorum profundus tendons and flexor pollicis longus. The tendon of flexor carpi radialis runs in its own separate compartment formed by a split in the flexor retinaculum, so it lies outside the true carpal tunnel. This is why flexor carpi radialis function is preserved in carpal tunnel syndrome.

Reference: Moore's Clinically Oriented Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.