Palmar carpal Tendon sheaths
Vaginae carpeae palmares tendinum
- Latin synonym: Vaginae tendinum carpales palmares
- Related terms: Palmar carpal tendinous sheaths
Definition
The palmar carpal tendon sheaths are synovial membrane-lined tubular structures (synovial sheaths) that enclose the long flexor tendons of the forearm as they pass through the carpal tunnel into the palm of the hand. These tendon sheaths provide a low-friction gliding mechanism for the flexor tendons, allowing smooth flexion of the wrist and digits. These include the common flexor tendon sheath (ulnar bursa) and the tendon sheath of the flexor pollicis longus (radial bursa). An additional tendon sheath of the flexor carpi radialis can be found outside the carpal tunnel.
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.
