Flexor digitorum brevis

Musculus flexor digitorum brevis

MuscularDeep musclesLegLeft and right

View left in 3D View right in 3D

What it is

Central muscle of the first layer of the sole, lying directly on the plantar fascia; from the medial calcaneal tuberosity it sends four tendons that split to insert on the middle phalanges of toes 2-5, letting the long flexor tendons pass through.

Function

Flexes the lateral four toes at the proximal interphalangeal joints and helps support the arch.

Size

Belly about 10-12 cm long, 3 cm wide.

Clinical note

Together with abductor hallucis and abductor digiti minimi it forms the first of the four muscle layers of the sole.