5. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when a. The flexor retinaculum spasms, tightening the carpal tunnel. b. The median nerve sends signals to the carpal tunnel, causing bleeding and inflammation. c. A carpal bone is fractured, causing bleeding in the carpal tunnel. d. Inflammation of the synovial membranes surrounding the flexor tendons compress the median nerve.

To determine the correct answer regarding carpal tunnel syndrome, let's analyze each option: a. **The flexor retinaculum spasms, tightening the carpal tunnel.** - This statement is not accurate. The flexor retinaculum is a fibrous band that holds the flexor tendons in place, but it does not typically spasm in a way that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. b. **The median nerve sends signals to the carpal tunnel, causing bleeding and inflammation.** - This statement is misleading. The median nerve does not cause bleeding and inflammation; rather, it is the compression of the nerve that leads to symptoms. c. **A carpal bone is fractured, causing bleeding in the carpal tunnel.** - While a fracture could potentially lead to swelling and pressure in the carpal tunnel, this is not the primary cause of carpal tunnel syndrome, which is usually due to other factors. d. **Inflammation of the synovial membranes surrounding the flexor tendons compress the median nerve.** - This statement accurately describes a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Inflammation of the synovial membranes can lead to swelling, which compresses the median nerve within the carpal tunnel. Based on this analysis, the correct answer is: **d. Inflammation of the synovial membranes surrounding the flexor tendons compress the median nerve.**