Within each osseo-aponeurotic canal, the tendons of the flexor digitorum superficialis and

flexor digitorum profundus The flexor digitorum profundus or flexor digitorum communis profundus is a muscle in the forearm of humans that flexes the fingers (also known as digits). It is considered an Muscles of the hand#Extrinsic, extrinsic hand muscle because it acts on ...

are connected to each other, and to the

phalanges The phalanges (: phalanx ) are digit (anatomy), digital bones in the hands and foot, feet of most vertebrates. In primates, the Thumb, thumbs and Hallux, big toes have two phalanges while the other Digit (anatomy), digits have three phalanges. ...

, by slender, tendinous bands, called vincula tendina.

Structure

There are around three to seven vincula for each flexor tendon. Vincula tendina can be classified into two types according to their morphology. The ''vincula brevia'' (short), which are two in number in each finger, and consist of triangular bands of fibers, one connecting the tendon of the flexor digitorum superficialis to the front of the first interphalangeal joint and head of the first phalanx, and the other the tendon of the

to the front of the second interphalangeal joint and head of the second phalanx. The ''vincula longa'' (long and slender), one which connects the flexor digitorum superficialis to the base of the first phalanx, and the other which connects the under surfaces of the tendons of the flexor digitorum profundus to those of the subjacent flexor digitorum superficialis after the tendons of the former have passed through the latter.

Function

The vincula tendina carry blood supply to the flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus tendons. The vincula breve helps facilitate digital flexion following injury to the distal flexor digitorum profundus tendon.

Additional images

File:Sobo 1909 286.png File:Grant 1962 88s.png

References

Upper limb anatomy {{Portal bar, Anatomy