transverse carpal ligament

anatomy

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July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The transverse carpal ligament is a band of fibrous tissue that encloses the carpal tunnel on the palm side of the wrist. This tunnel is a narrow passage formed by carpal bones, through which the median nerve, blood vessels, and finger flexor tendons pass.1

The transverse carpal ligament plays a crucial role in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist. CTS occurs when pressure is placed on the median nerve, often due to swelling of the tendons within the carpal tunnel. This compression can lead to a loss of hand control and difficulty gripping objects. Repetitive hand motions, certain medical conditions like arthritis or hypothyroidism, or wrist fractures can also contribute to pressure on the median nerve.12

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carpal tunnel syndrome
…of fibrous tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. Through the tunnel run the median nerve, several blood vessels, and nine finger flexor tendons. The tendons are rodlike structures that transmit forces from muscles in the forearm to the fingers and enable the fingers to close, as when making a fist.
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…of fibrous tissue called the transverse carpal ligament. Through the tunnel run the median nerve, several blood vessels, and nine finger flexor tendons. The tendons are rodlike structures that transmit forces from muscles in the forearm to the fingers and enable the fingers to close, as when making a fist.
Read More