Flexor hallucis brevis muscle

Flexor hallucis brevis muscle is a muscle of the foot that flexes the big toe.

Flexor hallucis brevis muscle
Muscles of the sole of the foot. Third layer. (Flexor hallucis brevis visible at left.)
Details
OriginPlantar aspect of the cuneiforms, Plantar calcaneocuboid ligament, long plantar ligament
InsertionMedial Head: Medial sesamoid bone of the metatarsophalangeal joint, proximal phalanx of great toe. Lateral head: Lateral sesamoid bone of the metatarsophalangeal joint, proximal phalanx of great toe
Nervemedial plantar nerve
Actionsflex hallux
AntagonistExtensor hallucis longus muscle
Identifiers
Latinmusculus flexor hallucis brevis
TA98A04.7.02.057
TA22673
FMA37449
Anatomical terms of muscle

Structure
The flexor hallucis brevis is located just inferior to the foot and toe bones. As its name suggests, its contraction results in flexion of the big toe (hallux).

Flexor hallucis brevis muscle arises, by a pointed tendinous process, from the medial part of the under surface of the cuboid bone, from the contiguous portion of the third cuneiform, and from the prolongation of the tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle which is attached to that bone. It divides in front into two portions, which are inserted into the medial and lateral sides of the base of the first phalanx of the great toe, a sesamoid bone being present in each tendon at its insertion. The medial portion is blended with the abductor hallucis muscle previous to its insertion; the lateral portion (sometimes described as the first plantar interosseus) with the adductor hallucis muscle. The tendon of the flexor hallucis longus muscle lies in a groove between the two. Its tendon usually contains two sesamoid bones at the point under the first metatarsophalangeal joint.[1]

Innervation

The medial and lateral head of the flexor hallucis brevis is innervated by the medial plantar nerve. Both heads are represented by spinal segments S1, S2.

Variation

Origin subject to considerable variation; it often receives fibers from the calcaneus or long plantar ligament. Attachment to the cuboid bone sometimes wanting. Slip to first phalanx of the second toe.

Function

Flexor hallucis brevis flexes the first metatarsophalangeal joint, or the big toe. It helps to maintain the medial longitudinal arch. It assists with the toe-off phase of gait providing increased push-off.

Clinical significance

Sesamoid bones contained within the tendon of flexor hallucis brevis muscle may become damaged during exercise.[1]

Additional images
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Flexor hallucis brevis muscles.
  • Bones of the right foot. Plantar surface.
  • Flexor hallucis brevis muscle
  • Flexor hallucis brevis muscle

References

This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 493 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)

  1. Requejo, S. M. (2017-01-01), Placzek, Jeffrey D.; Boyce, David A. (eds.), "Chapter 76 - Common Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Dysfunctions", Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Secrets (Third Edition), Elsevier, pp. 587–600, doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-28683-1.00076-x, ISBN 978-0-323-28683-1, retrieved 2021-02-20
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