Vinculum longum
Vinculum longum tendinis
- Latin synonym: Mesotendo longus
- Synonym: Long vinculum; Long mesotendon
- Related terms: Vincula tendinum : Vinculum longum
Definition
The vinculum longum is a slender, elongated band of connective fibrous tissue within the fibrous flexor sheath of the finger that helps anchor the long flexor tendons to the phalanges and transmits small blood vessels to these tendons.
Each finger typically has two vincula longa:
One connects the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon to the proximal phalanx.
The other connects the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon to the middle phalanx.
Function
The vinculum longum serve as conduits of vascular supply to the FDS and FDP tendons, and also provide mechanical support to the vasculature and tendons during finger flexion and extension.
References
Ichigaya, T., Fujita, K., Kurisaki, T., Takano, K. and Nagashima, M., 2025. Anatomical relationship between the vinculum breve derived from the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and the volar plate in the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand: variation in the distribution of attachments. Anatomical science international, pp.1-10.
