The Common Vein
Copyright 2010
Definition
The flexor digitorum brevis of the musculoskeletal system is characterized by being an adductor and flexor of the great toe.
It is part of the 1st layer of plantar muscles of the lower leg and consists of skeletal muscle fibers.
Its unique structural features include that it is the located on the sole of the foot and that the entire muscle belly is in contact with the plantar aponeurosis. The tendons split to pass around the flexor digitorum longus to insert into the middle phalanges similarly to the way the flexor digitorum superficialis does in the hand.
The origin is at the medial tubercle of the calcaneal tuberosity, intermuscular septa, and the plantar aponeurosis.
The insertion is at both sides of the middle phalanges of the lateral 4 digits.
The blood supply is from distal branches of the posterior tibial artery.
The innervation is from the medial plantar nerve.
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle as well as all other bones, muscles, and ligaments of the body are derived of mesodermal origin in embryo.
The function of the flexor digitorum brevis is to flex the lateral four toes by working synergistically with the flexor digitorum longus.
There are no common diseases.
Commonly used diagnostic procedures include clinical history, physical exam, and MRI.
References
Lieberman J (ed), AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2008.
Moore K, Dalley A (eds), Clinically Oriented Anatomy (5th edition), Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 2006.
Wheeless’ Textbook of Orthopaedics: Flexor Digitorum Brevis (http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/flexor_digitorum_brevis)