Lower limb

Lateral head of flexor hallucis brevis

Caput laterale musculi flexoris hallucis brevis

Origin

Lateral cuneiform bone and adjacent plantar ligaments

Insertion

Lateral sesamoid bone and the base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe

Function

Flexion of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the great toe

Innervation

Lateral plantar nerve (branch of the tibial nerve), S2-S3

Movement & chain

Works together with the medial head and the sesamoid bones as a functional unit that stabilizes the great toe during the push-off phase of gait.

Palpation

Palpable on the plantolateral aspect of the first MTP joint around the lateral sesamoid bone.

Clinical

Sesamoiditis and stress fractures of the lateral hallux sesamoid; turf toe injury with capsuloligamentous plantar plate tear.

Segmental innervation

S2-S3, via the lateral plantar nerve.

In clinical practice

Diabetic foot inspection and pressure ulcer prevention; monitor for friction points from footwear or bedding and ensure correct anti-embolism stocking fit.

Region in the model

Lower limb