Tendon Sheath of Flexor Pollicis Longus
Vagina tendinis flexoris longi pollicis
Read moreAnatomical Relations
The tendon sheath containing the flexor pollicis longus courses distally, deep to the flexor retinaculum within the carpal tunnel and lateral to the common flexor sheath. The sheath for the flexor pollicis longus is contiguous with the sheath for the flexor digitorum (Standring, 2016; Moore, Dalley and Agur, 2013).
Related parts of the anatomy
Structure
The tendon sheath of the flexor pollicis longus has an outer fibrous component and an inner double layered sheath of synovial membrane that is akin to a longitudinal bursa. The synovial layer is composed of an inner visceral layer and an outer parietal layer. The synovium produces a thin layer of lubricating fluid between the visceral and parietal layers which surround the tendons.
Function
The tendon sheath of the flexor pollicis longus provides a well-lubricated, smooth surface that reduces friction during movement of the tendon.
List of Clinical Correlates
—Tendovaginitis
References
Moore, K. L., Dalley, A. F. and Agur, A. M. R. (2013) Clinically Oriented Anatomy. Clinically Oriented Anatomy 7th edn.: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Standring, S. (2016) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. Gray's Anatomy Series 41st edn.: Elsevier Limited.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Tendon Sheath
Tenosynovectomy refers to the excision of thickened tendon sheath and other tissue surrounding a tendon, commonly seen in infection, chemical irritation, and rheumatoid arthritis (synovectomy).
