the flexor tendons are secured in place by a series of pulleys which are fibrous bands wrapping over the tendons and attaching to the bone.
- annular pulleys: which wrap transversely over the tendons. numbered a1 – a4 (proximal to distal).
- cruciate pulleys: which are paired and cross diagonally over the tendons.
numbered c1 – c3. (see below).
the annular pulleys are readily visible with high resolution, high quality equipment. the cruciate pulleys are poorly seen.
normal pulley