Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of which nerve?

Carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of which nerve?

• A. Ulnar nerve
• B. Median nerve
• C. Radial nerve
• D. Axillary nerve

Answer: (B)

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, which is formed by the carpal bones on the dorsal side and the transverse carpal ligament on the ventral side. This tunnel also contains several flexor tendons. When the median nerve is compressed, you get sensory disturbances in the palmar aspects of the lateral three and a half digits and weakness of the thenar muscles, leading to numbness, tingling, and possible thumb weakness. The other nerves listed do not travel through the carpal tunnel: the ulnar nerve goes through Guyon’s canal at the wrist and supplies the medial digits and some intrinsic hand muscles; the radial nerve runs mainly in the posterior compartment of the arm and forearm and does not pass through the carpal tunnel; the axillary nerve serves the shoulder region.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, which is formed by the carpal bones on the dorsal side and the transverse carpal ligament on the ventral side. This tunnel also contains several flexor tendons. When the median nerve is compressed, you get sensory disturbances in the palmar aspects of the lateral three and a half digits and weakness of the thenar muscles, leading to numbness, tingling, and possible thumb weakness. The other nerves listed do not travel through the carpal tunnel: the ulnar nerve goes through Guyon’s canal at the wrist and supplies the medial digits and some intrinsic hand muscles; the radial nerve runs mainly in the posterior compartment of the arm and forearm and does not pass through the carpal tunnel; the axillary nerve serves the shoulder region.