Which ligament holds the ulnar nerve in place in the cubital tunnel?

The transverse ligament of the elbow, also referred to as the ligament of Osborne, is the structure that plays a crucial role in holding the ulnar nerve in place within the cubital tunnel. This ligament arches over the ulnar nerve at the elbow, creating a protective space for the nerve and preventing it from subluxating or moving out of its proper position during movement of the arm.

In this context, the arcuate ligament, while it may seem relevant due to its name, is not the correct ligament associated with the ulnar nerve. Instead, it primarily relates to structures in the knee. Understanding the specific roles of these ligaments in different anatomical regions is essential for recognizing injuries and conditions associated with the ulnar nerve, such as cubital tunnel syndrome.

The radial collateral ligament and annular ligament also serve important functions in stabilizing the elbow joint but do not directly correlate with the support of the ulnar nerve in the cubital tunnel. The radial collateral ligament helps stabilize the lateral aspect of the elbow, while the annular ligament encircles the head of the radius, allowing for smooth rotation of the forearm.