Dorsal carpal tendon sheaths
Vaginae carpeae dorsales tendinum
- Latin synonym: Vaginae tendinum carpales dorsales
- Related terms: Dorsal carpal tendinous sheaths
Definition
The dorsal carpal tendon sheaths are synovial-lined tubes (or synovial sheaths) that enclose the extensor tendons of the wrist and hand as they pass beneath the extensor retinaculum on the back of the wrist.
Each sheath allows its enclosed tendon (or tendons) to glide smoothly within its fibro-osseous compartment, reducing friction during wrist and finger extension.
Anatomical Overview
There are six dorsal compartments (1 to 6; from lateral to medial), each containing specific tendons and their synovial or tendon sheaths:
References
Gray, H. (2016) Gray’s Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edn. Edited by S. Standring. New York: Elsevier. Chapter 50: Wrist and hand, pp. 879.
Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 7: Hand’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp. 757; Fig. 7.95.
