Collateral ligaments of metacarpophalangeal articulations

In human anatomy, the radial (RCL) and ulnar (UCL) collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCP) of the hand are the primary stabilisers of the MCP joints. They have two parts: the cord-like collateral ligaments proper located more dorsally and the accessory collateral ligaments located more volarly. They enable us to spread our fingers with an open hand but not with the hand closed into a fist.