Human Anatomy - Kotsan I. Y. 2009

Muscles and fascia of the lower limb
Muscles of the leg
Muscles of the dorsum of the foot

On the dorsal surface of the FOOT, there are only two Muscles: the extensor digitorum brevis and the extensor hallucis brevis (Fig. 135). They lie beneath the dorsal Fascia of the foot and the tendons of the anterior leg muscles.

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Fig. 135. Muscles of the foot (dorsal surface)

1 — tendon of the tibialis anterior, 2 — medial malleolus, 3 — extensor hallucis brevis, 4 — tendon of the extensor hallucis longus, 5 — abductor hallucis, 6 — dorsal interossei, 7 — tendons of the extensor digitorum longus, 8 — tendons of the extensor digitorum brevis, 9 — abductor digiti minimi, 10 — tendon of the fibularis tertius, 11 — extensor digitorum brevis, 12 — inferior extensor retinaculum, 13 — lateral malleolus, 14 — extensor digitorum longus, 15 — extensor hallucis longus, 16 — superior extensor retinaculum

The extensor digitorum brevis (m. extensor digitorum brevis) is a flat, weakly developed Muscle. It originates from the Superolateral surface of the calcaneus, runs obliquely forward and medially, and divides into three thin tendons that attach to the bases of the middle and distal Phalanges of digits II–IV. Function: extends digits II–IV.

Innervation: deep fibular nerve (LIV—SI).

The extensor hallucis brevis (m. extensor hallucis brevis) is situated medially to the extensor digitorum brevis. It originates from the upper surface of the calcaneus and attaches to the dorsal aspect of the Base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.

Function: extends the great toe.

Innervation: deep fibular nerve (LIV—SI).



Last update: 08/08/2026

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