Which structure does NOT pass through the carpal tunnel?

Which structure does NOT pass through the carpal tunnel?

• A. Flexor digitorum superficialis tendons
• B. Flexor digitorum profundus tendons
• C. Median nerve
• D. Flexor carpi radialis tendon

Answer: (D)

The carpal tunnel is the passage under the flexor retinaculum that carries the median nerve and the tendons that flex the fingers and thumb: four tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis, four of flexor digitorum profundus, and the flexor pollicis longus tendon. The tendon of flexor carpi radialis runs on the radial side in its own separate fibro-osseous tunnel and does not pass under the flexor retinaculum into the carpal tunnel. Therefore, it does not traverse the carpal tunnel, making it the structure that does not pass through it.

The carpal tunnel is the passage under the flexor retinaculum that carries the median nerve and the tendons that flex the fingers and thumb: four tendons of flexor digitorum superficialis, four of flexor digitorum profundus, and the flexor pollicis longus tendon. The tendon of flexor carpi radialis runs on the radial side in its own separate fibro-osseous tunnel and does not pass under the flexor retinaculum into the carpal tunnel. Therefore, it does not traverse the carpal tunnel, making it the structure that does not pass through it.