Female Wrist, Anterior View

Description

Palmar skin creases define the anterior wrist, with a proximal transverse crease at the distal forearm and a distal crease aligned with the radiocarpal region. Just deep to the skin, the flexor retinaculum spans from the tubercle of the scaphoid and crest of the trapezium laterally to the pisiform and hook of the hamate medially, roofing the carpal tunnel. Superficial landmarks expected in this view include the palmaris longus tendon in the midline when present, the flexor carpi radialis tendon radial to it, and the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon ulnarly as it approaches the pisiform. Anterior wrist anatomy matters because it is the working surface for palpation, injection, and operative approaches. The relationship of the flexor retinaculum to the scaphoid tubercle and pisiform guides an open or endoscopic carpal tunnel release, and the median nerve lies immediately deep to this ligament alongside the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus tendons and the flexor pollicis longus. Radial-sided procedures also depend on this topography, since the flexor carpi radialis tendon forms a landmark corridor toward the scaphoid and trapezium while the palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve remains superficial and at risk with poorly placed incisions. Small distances. Real consequences. Use this illustration for surface anatomy teaching in gross anatomy and physical diagnosis labs, for clinical skills manuals that cover wrist examination and carpal tunnel syndrome, and for patient-facing surgical education explaining palmar incision placement and expected scar location. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.