Muscle
Flexor digitorum longus
Flexes the lateral four toes
High-yield
Flexes toes 2–5; tibial nerve. Its tendon runs behind the medial malleolus (Tom, Dick, and Harry).
Overview
A deep posterior leg muscle flexing the lateral four toes and plantarflexing the ankle; its tendon crosses that of tibialis posterior.
Reference facts
- Origin
Posterior surface of the tibia (below the soleal line)
- Insertion
Bases of the distal phalanges of the lateral four toes
- Action
Flexes the lateral four toes and plantarflexes the ankle; supports the arches
- Innervation
Tibial nerve (L5, S1, S2)
- Blood supply
Posterior tibial artery