Lower limb
Flexor digitorum brevis
Musculus flexor digitorum brevis
- Origin
- Calcaneal tuberosity (plantar side) and the plantar aponeurosis
- Insertion
- Middle phalanges of toes two to five, via split tendons
- Function
- Flexion of the proximal interphalangeal joints of toes 2-5
- Innervation
- Medial plantar nerve (branch of the tibial nerve), S2-S3
- Movement & chain
- Actively contributes to gripping the ground and stabilizing the arch of the foot during the stance phase of gait.
- Palpation
- Palpable in the central sole of the foot deep to the plantar aponeurosis between calcaneus and metatarsal heads.
- Clinical
- Supports the medial longitudinal arch; repetitive tensile stress at its calcaneal origin leads to plantar fasciitis and calcaneal spur formation.
- Segmental innervation
- S2-S3, via the medial plantar nerve.
- In clinical practice
- Skin and pressure point inspection; maintain comfortable positioning and proper body mechanics during patient handling and daily care.
- Region in the model
- Lower limb