ARCHITECTURE OF THE FLEXOR TENDONS OF THE HAND AND FOOT / 解剖学报

ABSTRACT

15 paired tendons of the flexor digitorum sublimis and profundus, 5 pairs of tendons of both the flexor pollicis longus and the flexor hallucis longus were studied.The results were outlined as follows:(1) The morphological modification of the segment of the tendon of the flexor digitorum profundus in the tunnel formed by the splitting of the sublimis tendon fit well the varying shape of the tunnel.(2) The arrangement of the fiber bundles in the tendon of the flexor digitorum profundus appears to be in a spiral twist.(3) The fiber bundles of the tendons of the flexor pollicis (hallucis) longus are arranged similarly to those of the flexor digitorum profundus. It is further suggested that both muscles are homologous in evolution. (4) Morphological changes of the tendon are due to the change of the direction of its fiber bundles inside.(5) It is suggested that the twists and the intertextures of the fiber bundles of the tendon may increase the strength of the tendon and may be related to the transmission of the muscle contraction.(6) On each side of the tendon of the flexor pollicis longus and flexor hallucis longus, a definite lateral fascicle was found.