Flexor retinaculum of the hand

The flexor retinaculum (from Latin retinaculum " band ", " reins " and flexor " flexors " ) - also known as the transverse carpal ligament ( ligamentum from the Latin " band ", " bandage ", trans versus " transverse" and gr karpos " carpal "hereinafter) or carpal ligament - is a palm side ( volar ) in the amount of the carpal bones transverse, massive band. However, the transverse carpal ligament is anatomically not an independent band, but a reinforcement of the Handfaszie. In the veterinary anatomy also retaining straps of flexor tendons outside of the wrist are called the flexor retinaculum.

The flexor retinaculum represents the roof of the carpal tunnel, and keeps the tendons of the flexor muscles even when flexed hand close to the wrist. It forms to six compartments for the muscle tendons. Through one of the center also runs the median nerve. In the surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, the flexor retinaculum is cut to counteract a compression of this nerve in the dorsal compartment.

Its counterpart for guiding the extensor muscles on the back of the hand ( dorsal) is the extensor retinaculum.

• Band (anatomy)