Muscle
Flexor digitorum longus
Long flexor reaching the tips of the four smaller toes
High-yield
Attachment to the distal phalanges lets it bend the end joints of the smaller toes. Its long route also allows assistance with ankle plantarflexion and support of the foot's longitudinal arch.
Overview
Flexor digitorum longus begins behind the tibia and passes around the inner ankle into the sole. It divides into four tendons that pass through the short flexor tendons before reaching toes two through five.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Posterior tibial surface below the soleal line
- Insertion
- Plantar bases of the distal phalanges of toes two through five
- Action
- Flexes the four smaller toes, assists ankle plantarflexion and helps support the longitudinal arch
- Innervation
- Muscular branches of the tibial nerve
- Blood supply
- Branches of the posterior tibial artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the flexor digitorum longus do?
The flexor digitorum longus flexes the four smaller toes, assists ankle plantarflexion and helps support the longitudinal arch.
What nerve innervates the flexor digitorum longus?
The flexor digitorum longus is innervated by the muscular branches of the tibial nerve.
Where does the flexor digitorum longus attach?
Origin: Posterior tibial surface below the soleal line. Insertion: Plantar bases of the distal phalanges of toes two through five.
What is the blood supply of the flexor digitorum longus?
Branches of the posterior tibial artery.