Which structure forms the carpal tunnel along with the carpal bones?

Which structure forms the carpal tunnel along with the carpal bones?

• A. Flexor Retinaculum
• B. Extensor Retinaculum
• C. Palmar Aponeurosis
• D. Intercarpal Ligament

Answer: (A)

The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones creating the floor and sides, with the flexor retinaculum spanning across the palm to form the roof. This strong band turns the groove of the carpal bones into a tight passage that houses the flexor tendons and the median nerve. Inside the tunnel run nine flexor tendon slips (four from flexor digitorum superficialis, four from flexor digitorum profundus, and one from flexor pollicis longus) along with the median nerve, which is why swelling or compression in this space leads to carpal tunnel symptoms. The other structures mentioned don’t form the tunnel: the extensor retinaculum sits on the back of the wrist, the palmar aponeurosis lies over the palm’s surface, and intercarpal ligaments connect carpal bones but don’t enclose a tunnel.

The carpal tunnel is formed by the carpal bones creating the floor and sides, with the flexor retinaculum spanning across the palm to form the roof. This strong band turns the groove of the carpal bones into a tight passage that houses the flexor tendons and the median nerve. Inside the tunnel run nine flexor tendon slips (four from flexor digitorum superficialis, four from flexor digitorum profundus, and one from flexor pollicis longus) along with the median nerve, which is why swelling or compression in this space leads to carpal tunnel symptoms. The other structures mentioned don’t form the tunnel: the extensor retinaculum sits on the back of the wrist, the palmar aponeurosis lies over the palm’s surface, and intercarpal ligaments connect carpal bones but don’t enclose a tunnel.