Which tendons are housed within the carpal tunnel?

The tendons housed within the carpal tunnel primarily include the flexor tendons of the fingers, specifically the flexor digitorum superficialis and flexor digitorum profundus tendons. These tendons play a crucial role in finger flexion by allowing the fingers to curl and grasp.

The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway located in the wrist, bordered by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum, and it contains the median nerve alongside these finger flexor tendons. This anatomical arrangement is significant because the median nerve provides sensation and motor function to parts of the hand, which can be affected in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Conversely, the extensor tendons, which are responsible for extending the fingers, travel outside of the carpal tunnel and are located in a separate compartment. Abductor and adductor tendons also pertain to wrist and finger movements but do not pass through the carpal tunnel. Thus, the identification of finger flexors as the correct answer is essential for understanding the anatomy relevant to wrist and hand function.