College of Massage Therapists of British Columbia (CMTBC) Practice Exam

Which tunnel does the ulnar nerve pass through before entering the forearm?

1. Cubital Tunnel

2. Carpal Tunnel

3. Radial Tunnel

4. Ulnar Tunnel

The correct answer is: Cubital Tunnel

The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel before entering the forearm. This tunnel is located at the elbow, formed by the medial epicondyle of the humerus and the olecranon process of the ulna. It serves as a protective pathway for the ulnar nerve as it travels from the upper arm into the forearm. Understanding the anatomy surrounding the cubital tunnel is important, especially since the ulnar nerve can become compressed in this area, leading to conditions such as cubital tunnel syndrome. This injury could manifest as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and fingers, which highlights the significance of recognizing the ulnar nerve's path and associated tunnels. The other tunnels listed do not involve the ulnar nerve's pathway to the forearm. The carpal tunnel, primarily associated with the median nerve, is located at the wrist. The radial tunnel is related to the radial nerve and is situated near the lateral aspect of the forearm. The term "ulnar tunnel" is less commonly used in typical anatomy and does not represent a recognized tunnel through which the ulnar nerve passes. Therefore, identifying the cubital tunnel is crucial for both comprehension of nerve anatomy and clinical relevance.