Collateral ligaments of metacarpophalangeal joints

Collateral ligaments of metacarpophalangeal joints
Metacarpophalangeal joint and joints of digit. Ulnar aspect.
Details
Identifiers
Latinligamenta collateralia articulationum metacarpophalangearum
TA98A03.5.11.502
TA21836
FMA42771 71407, 42771
Anatomical terminology

In human anatomy, the radial (RCL) and ulnar (UCL) collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of the hand are the primary stabilisers of the MCP joints.[1] A collateral ligament flanks each MCP joint - one on either side. Each attaches proximally at the head of the metacarpal bone, and distally at the base of the phalynx. Each extends obliquely in a palmar direction from its proximal attachment to its distal attachment.[2] The collateral ligaments allow spreading our the fingers with an open hand but not with the hand closed into a fist.

  1. ^ Berger, Richard A.; Weiss, Arnold-Peter C. (2004). Hand Surgery. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 9780781728744.
  2. ^ Sinnatamby, Chummy S. (2011). Last's Anatomy (12th ed.). p. 91. ISBN 978-0-7295-3752-0.