The purpose of the volar plate of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint of the finger is to:

a. Restrict MCP joint mobility.
b. Act as a point of insertion for the interossei muscles and extensor digitorum.
c. Prevent pinching of the long flexor tendons during finger flexion.
d. Add surface area to the head of the metacarpal.

ANS: C
The volar plate of the MCP joint enhances joint congruency by adding surface area to the base of the proximal phalanx. The plates do come in contact with many structures, such as the capsule and the deep transverse metacarpal ligament, but do not have any direct contact with the interosseous muscles or extensor digitorum. The volar plates play a large role in preventing pinching of the long finger flexors during joint flexion.