The transverse carpal ligament is the flexible, slightly elastic cord that lies on top of the carpal tunnel at the wrist. This ligament connects the bones to each other where the wrist and palm meet.

The transverse carpal ligament may be cut during surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Cutting the ligament helps relieve the pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel. (Pressure on the median nerve results in the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. These include tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the fingers, hand, or lower arm.)