Tarsal tunnel

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Tarsal tunnel
The mucous sheaths of the tendons around the ankle. Medial aspect.
Dorlands/Elsevier	t_23/12832517

The tarsal tunnel (flexor retinaculum) is found along the inner leg behind the medial malleolus.

The tarsal tunnel is made up of bone on the inside and the flexor retinaculum on the outside.

Contents 1 Nerve distribution 2 Contents of tunnel 3 See also 4 Additional images 5 References 6 External links

[edit] Nerve distribution

The tibial nerve, a major artery, veins, and tendons travel in a bundle along this pathway, through the tarsal tunnel.

In the tunnel, the nerve splits into three different paths. One nerve (calcaneal) continues to the heel, the other two (medial plantar nerve and lateral plantar nerve) continue on to the bottom of the foot.

[edit] Contents of tunnel

• Tibialis posterior muscle
• Flexor digitorum longus muscle
• Posterior tibial artery
• Posterior tibial vein
• Tibial nerve
• Flexor hallucis longus muscle

One common mnemonic used to remember the contents is "Tom, Dick and Harry".^[1][2][3] or alternatively "Tom, Dick (and very nervous) Harry" if the artery, vein, and nerve are included.

Another common mnemonic used is "Tiny Dogs Are Not Hunters". Bear in mind that tibial veins are located on both sides of tibial artery.

All three muscles are part of the posterior compartment of leg.

[edit] See also

• tarsal tunnel syndrome
• carpal tunnel

[edit] Additional images

Coronal section through right talocrural and talocalcaneal joints.	Muscles of the back of the leg. Deep layer.	The popliteal, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries.	Nerves of the right lower extremity Posterior view.
Muscles of the sole of the foot. Second layer.	The plantar arteries. Deep view.	The plantar nerves.

[edit] References

1. ^ http://www.orthoteers.com/content/content.aspx?article=80
2. ^ Log In Problems
3. ^ Mnemonic at medicalmnemonics.com 1182 7

[edit] External links

• Description at curtin.edu.au
• http://www.ithaca.edu/faculty/lahr/LE2000/ankle%20pics/5Asupmed.jpg

v • d • e General anatomy of lower limbs Buttocks Gluteal sulcus - Gluteal cleft Thigh Fascial compartments of thigh (Anterior, Medial, Posterior) Inguinal ligament • Pectineal ligament • Lacunar ligament • Reflected inguinal ligament • Conjoint tendon • Interfoveolar ligament Obturator membrane/Obturator canal Femoral triangle • Femoral sheath (Femoral canal) • Femoral ring Adductor canal • Adductor hiatus fascia/fascia lata (Iliotibial tract, Lateral intermuscular septum of thigh, Medial intermuscular septum of thigh, Fascia cribrosa/Saphenous opening) Crus (anatomic leg) Popliteal fossa • Calf • Shin • Pes anserinus • Interosseous membrane of the leg Fascial compartments of leg (Anterior, Lateral, Posterior) fascia/crural fascia (Anterior crural intermuscular septum, Posterior crural intermuscular septum, Transverse intermuscular septum) Foot Heel • Toe (Hallux, Fifth toe) • Sole • Achilles tendon • Tarsal tunnel fascia (Plantar fascia) retinacula (Peroneal, Inferior extensor, Superior extensor, Flexor)