Corpus: Extensor hallucis longus muscle

The extensor hallucis longus muscle is a thin skeletal muscle that belongs to the extensor muscles of the lower leg.

2.1. Origin

The extensor hallucis longus muscle originates from the anterior surface of the fibula and the interosseous membrane. Occasionally, its origin may be united with that of the extensor digitorum longus muscle.

2.2. Attachment

The tendon of the extensor hallucis longus muscle runs in its own tendon compartment under the superior extensor retinaculum and the inferior extensor retinaculum to the forefoot. As it transitions from the lower leg to the sole of the foot, it crosses from the lateral side of the anterior tibial artery to the medial side of the vessel. It finally attaches to the dorsal surface of the distal phalanx of the big toe.

The extensor hallucis longus muscle is innervated by the deep fibular nerve from the sacral plexus (L4-S1).

Contraction of the extensor hallucis longus muscle extends the big toe. Additionally, the muscle supports supination of the foot in the talotarsal joint.