Extensor hallucis muscle

Extensor hallucis longus muscle

Extensor hallucis longus muscle (shown in red). Image via Gray's Anatomy.

The Extensor hallucis longus muscle is a thin muscle, situated between the tibialis anterior and the extensor digitorum longus, that functions to extend the big toe, dorsiflect the foot, and assists with foot inversion.

Origin and Insertion

The muscle originates from the middle half of the fibula on the anterior surface and the interosseous membrane. It inserts on the dorsal surface of the base of the distal phalanx of the big toe.

Function

The extensor hallucis longus extends the big toe and dorsiflects the foot at the ankle. It also assists with foot inversion at the subtalar joint.

Clinical significance

Damage to the extensor hallucis longus can result in a condition known as drop foot, where the individual is unable to dorsiflect the foot at the ankle.

See also

• Extensor digitorum longus
• Tibialis anterior
• Drop foot