Flexor digitorum brevis muscle

from Latin: digitus - finger, toe; flectere - flex, bend
Synonym: short little toe extensor
German: Musculus flexor digitorum brevis

1 Definition

The flexor digitorum brevis muscle is a long planar muscle on the plantar side of the foot that belongs to the sole of the foot.

2 Devolution

2.1 Origin

The muscle has its origin at the medial process of the (tuber calcanei). Other fibers origin from the plantar aponeurosis of the foot.

2.2 Insertion

The muscle is grown together with the plantar aponeurosis and passes in the middle of the sole of the foot into distal direction. It terminates in 4 tendons that divide shortly before their attachment to the bone, and thereby form gaps that the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus muscle pass through. Both tendon parts each insert into the medial and lateral side of the middle phalanges of the IInd to Vth toes.

3 Innervation

The innervation of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle is provided by the medial plantar nerve (segments: S1 and S2).

4 Function

The flexor digitorum brevis muscle is responsible for the flexion of the IInd to Vth toe in the proximal and medial phalanges of the toes. Furthermore, it braces the foot arch in longitudinal direction.