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Superficial Transverse Metacarpal Ligament
Connective Tissue

Superficial Transverse Metacarpal Ligament

Ligamentum metacarpeum transversum superficiale

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Anatomical Relations

The superficial transverse metacarpal ligament is continuous with the distal commissural ligament of the thumb. The superficial transverse fibers lie superficial to the longitudinal fibers of the palmar aponeurosis. The digital artery and nerve pass deep to the superficial transverse metacarpal ligament in order to reach their targets in the fingers.

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Structure

The superficial transverse metacarpal ligament forms part of the transverse fiber system, along with the palmar aponeurosis and the deep transverse metacarpal ligament. It is composed of transverse fibers, which travel across the apex of the web skin and extend into the digits to blend with the lateral digital sheet.

Function

The ligament limits the spreading of the skin of the distal palm and the separation of adjacent fingers by reducing the movements of the carpometacarpal and intermetacarpal joints.

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Joint Ligament

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Entheseal structures are widely located throughout the body and are represented by the interface between bone and several tissues including tendon, joint capsules and ligaments.

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