Retinaculum

Not a part of any muscle, a retinaculum (plural retinacula) is a band around tendons that holds them in place. Its function is mostly to stabilize a tendon. The term retinaculum is New Latin,^[1] derived from the Latin verb retinere (to retain). It may refer to:

• In the wrist:
  • Flexor retinaculum of the hand
  • Extensor retinaculum of the hand
• In the ankle:
  • Flexor retinaculum of foot
  • Peroneal retinacula
  • Superior extensor retinaculum of foot
  • Inferior extensor retinaculum of foot
• In the knee:
  • Lateral retinaculum
  • Medial patellar retinaculum

In invertebrate anatomy:

• the retinaculum, in wing
• the Retinaculum (springtail), in springtail abdomen

References