Retinaculum

A retinaculum (pl.: retinacula) is a band of thickened deep fascia around tendons that holds them in place.¹ It is not part of any muscle and primarily functions to stabilize tendons. The term retinaculum is Neo-Latin,² derived from the Latin verb retinere (to retain). Specific retinacula include:

In the wrist:
- Flexor retinaculum of the hand
- Extensor retinaculum of the hand
In the ankle:
- Flexor retinaculum of foot
- Superior extensor retinaculum of foot
- Inferior extensor retinaculum of foot
- Superior fibular retinaculum
- Inferior fibular retinaculum
In the knee:
- Lateral retinaculum
- Medial patellar retinaculum

References

"UAMS Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences - Fascia and Membrane Tables". anatomy.uams.edu. Retrieved 2019-04-13.
"Definition of RETINACULUM".

[1] "UAMS Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences - Fascia and Membrane Tables". anatomy.uams.edu. Retrieved 2019-04-13.

[2] "Definition of RETINACULUM".

1

2