Flexor digitorum brevis

Flexor digitorum brevis (pronounced: flex-or di-gi-tor-um bre-vis) is a muscle located in the foot. It is one of the muscles responsible for flexing the toes.

Etymology

The term "Flexor digitorum brevis" is derived from Latin. "Flexor" refers to a muscle that flexes a joint, "digitorum" is the plural of "digitus" meaning finger or toe, and "brevis" means short. Thus, the term can be translated as "short flexor of the digits".

Anatomy

The Flexor digitorum brevis originates from the medial process of the calcaneal tuberosity, the plantar aponeurosis and the intermuscular septa. It inserts into the middle phalanges of the four lesser toes. It is innervated by the medial plantar nerve.

Function

The primary function of the Flexor digitorum brevis is to flex the second to fifth toes at the metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. This action is important for maintaining balance while standing and walking.

Related Terms

Flexor digitorum longus: A muscle in the leg that flexes the toes.
Flexor digitorum profundus: A muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers.
Flexor digitorum superficialis: A muscle in the forearm that flexes the fingers.
Medial plantar nerve: A nerve that innervates the flexor digitorum brevis.
Metatarsophalangeal joints: The joints between the metatarsal bones of the foot and the proximal bones (proximal phalanges) of the toes.
Proximal interphalangeal joints: The joints in the middle of the toes.