| Palmar plate | |
|---|---|
 MCP joint in extension and in flexion, palmar plate in grey | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ligamenta palmaria |
| MeSH | D053401 |
| TA98 | A03.5.11.603 |
| TA2 | 1844 |
| FMA | 71410 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
In the human hand, palmar or volar plates (also referred to as palmar or volar ligaments)[1] are found in the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and interphalangeal (IP) joints, where they reinforce the joint capsules, enhance joint stability, and limit hyperextension. The plates of the MCP and IP joints are structurally and functionally similar, except that in the MCP joints they are interconnected by a deep transverse ligament. In the MCP joints, they also indirectly provide stability to the longitudinal palmar arches of the hand. [2][3] The volar plate of the thumb MCP joint has a transverse longitudinal rectangular shape, shorter than those in the fingers. [4]
- ^ In older literature they are also known as the glenoid ligaments of Cruveilhier or vaginal ligaments.
- ^ Austin 2005, pp. 321–22 (MCP joints)
- ^ Austin 2005, p. 324 (IP joints)
- ^ Schmidt & Lanz 2003, p. 111