Lower limb

Flexor hallucis brevis, medial head

Musculus flexor hallucis brevis, caput mediale

Origin

Medial cuneiform bone and cuboid bone, plantar side

Insertion

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

Function

Flexes the MTP joint of the great toe and supports the medial arch of the foot

Innervation

Medial plantar nerve (branch of the tibial nerve)

Movement & chain

Works together with the lateral head and the sesamoid bones to stabilize the great toe and transmit force during push-off.

Palpation

Palpable on the plantomedial aspect of the 1st MTP joint overlying the medial sesamoid bone.

Clinical

Medial sesamoiditis, bipartite sesamoid pathology, and mechanical imbalance in hallux valgus and hallux rigidus.

Segmental innervation

S2-S3, via the medial 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