Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 20 November 2023

The flexor digiti minimi brevis is one of the intrinsic muscles within the third layer of the plantar muscles of the foot.

The intrinsic muscles of the foot consist of one intrinsic muscle on the dorsal aspect of the foot (the extensor digitorum brevis), and 4 layers of muscles on the plantar aspect of the foot:

  • 1st layer: abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, abductor digiti minimi
  • 2nd layer: quadratus plantae, lumbricals
  • 3rd layer: flexor hallucis brevis, adductor hallucis, flexor digiti minimi brevis
  • 4th layer: dorsal interosseri, plantar interossei

Origin

  • Base of 5th metatarsal

Insertion

  • Lateral base of proximal phalanx of little toe

Action

  • Flexes little toe at metatarsophalangeal joint

Innervation

  • Lateral plantar nerve from tibial nerve: S2, S3

Blood Supply

  • Lateral plantar artery