A retinaculum is a thick band of connective tissue that helps to stabilize tendons as they pass over bony prominences. It acts like a "ligamentous pulley" to keep the tendons in place and prevent them from bowstringing or becoming too stretched out. Retinacula are found in areas like the wrist, ankle, and knee, and are often named for the structures they help to hold in place (e.g. the extensor retinaculum of the wrist).

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Define retinaculum

Question 173

Multiple Choice

Define retinaculum.

A) A retinaculum is a soft,gelatinous core of a muscle.
B) A retinaculum is pad of fibrocartilage that separates muscles.
C) A retinaculum is a small,thin,fluid-filled pockets that forms between muscles.
D) A retinaculum is a localized mass of adipose tissue covered by muscles.
E) A retinaculum is a wide band of connective tissue that stabilizes tendons.

Correct Answer: