Tarsal tunnel
Tarsal Tunnel
The Tarsal Tunnel (pronounced: tar-sal tun-nel) is a clinical structure in the anatomical field of study, specifically related to the foot and ankle region.
Etymology
The term "Tarsal" is derived from the Latin word tarsus which means "flat surface", and "Tunnel" from the Old French tonel meaning "cask". The name is descriptive of the structure's appearance and function.
Definition
The Tarsal Tunnel is a narrow passageway that lies on the inner side of the ankle next to the ankle bones. The tunnel is covered with a thick ligament (the flexor retinaculum) that protects and maintains the structures contained within the tunnel - arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves. One of these nerves is the posterior tibial nerve, which is the focus of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Related Terms
- Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: A compression neuropathy and painful foot condition in which the tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel.
- Flexor Retinaculum: A fibrous band that retains the tendons in the tarsal tunnel.
- Posterior Tibial Nerve: The nerve that can be compressed in tarsal tunnel syndrome, causing pain.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Tarsal tunnel
- Wikipedia's article - Tarsal tunnel
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