Mnemonic

Structures Superficial to the Flexor Retinaculum

A memory aid for what passes over rather than through the flexor retinaculum.

Expansion

Ulnar nerve and artery, palmaris longus tendon and the palmar cutaneous branches of the median and ulnar nerves

Expansion

Passing superficial to (over) the flexor retinaculum:

  • Ulnar nerve and ulnar artery (in Guyon’s canal)
  • Tendon of palmaris longus
  • Palmar cutaneous branch of the median nerve
  • Palmar cutaneous branch of the ulnar nerve

This is why carpal tunnel syndrome spares the ulnar nerve and the skin over the thenar eminence.