Question

The signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may vary among patients, but they always result from compression of what structure in the carpal canal?

a) Ulnar nerve
b) Median nerve
c) Radial nerve
d) Brachial plexus

Answer 1

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed due to inflammation and swelling within the carpal tunnel.

Step-by-step explanation:

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed. The carpal tunnel is a passageway formed by the carpal bones and the flexor retinaculum, with the carpal bones forming the walls and floor, and the flexor retinaculum forming the roof.

Overuse of the muscle tendons or wrist injury can produce inflammation and swelling within this space, resulting in compression of the median nerve and the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.