Superficial Transverse Metacarpal Ligament
Ligamentum metacarpeum transversum superficiale
Read moreAnatomical 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.
Related parts of the anatomy
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.
Learn more about this topic from other Elsevier products
Joint Ligament
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.