This is a fibrous band spanning the anterior surface of the wrist in a mediolateral or horizontal direction.

This is a fibrous band spanning the anterior surface of the wrist in a mediolateral or horizontal direction.

• A. Extensor Retinaculum
• B. Palmar Aponeurosis
• C. Flexor Carpi Ulnaris Tendon
• D. Flexor Retinaculum

Answer: (D)

The fibrous band across the front of the wrist is the flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament). It stretches horizontally from the radial to the ulnar side, forming the roof of the carpal tunnel and holding the long flexor tendons in place as they pass into the hand. The extensor retinaculum is on the back of the wrist, not the front; the palmar aponeurosis is a thick fascia in the palm, not across the wrist; and the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon is just a single tendon crossing medially, not a broad transverse band.

The fibrous band across the front of the wrist is the flexor retinaculum (transverse carpal ligament). It stretches horizontally from the radial to the ulnar side, forming the roof of the carpal tunnel and holding the long flexor tendons in place as they pass into the hand. The extensor retinaculum is on the back of the wrist, not the front; the palmar aponeurosis is a thick fascia in the palm, not across the wrist; and the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon is just a single tendon crossing medially, not a broad transverse band.