What is another name for the impar ligament?

• A. Proximal navicular ligament
• B. Interphalangeal ligament
• C. Distal navicular ligament
• D. Proximal phalanx ligament

Answer: (C)

The name of this structure reflects where it attaches: the impar ligament is the single ligament that runs from the navicular bone to the distal end of the third phalanx. Because its attachment is on the navicular bone and it reaches the distal phalanx, it’s commonly called the distal navicular ligament. That naming directly describes its location and connections, which is why it’s the best descriptor here.

Proximal navicular ligament would imply attachments toward the proximal side of the navicular region, which isn’t the case. The interphalangeal ligament is between the phalanges themselves, not the navicular to distal phalanx connection. A proximal phalanx ligament would suggest a connection nearer the proximal phalanx, again not accurate for this structure.