[TA] branch of median nerve arising proximal to flexor retinaculum and running superficially to it to supply skin of proximal central palm and thenar eminence. Because it does not traverse the carpal tunnel, it is not affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, even though it supplies skin distal to carpal tunnel. SYN: ramus palmaris nervi interossei antebrachii anterioris [TA], palmar branch of median nerve, ramus palmaris nervi mediani.