Retinaculum
Band of thickened deep fascia around tendons that holds them in place
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. Its function is mostly to stabilize a tendon. The term retinaculum is Neo-Latin,[2] derived from the Latin verb retinere (to retain). Specific retinacula include:
- In the wrist:
- 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