Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 2 January 2023

The flexor digitorum brevis is one of the intrinsic muscles within the first 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

  • Medial process calcaneal tuberosity
  • Plantar aponeurosis

Insertion

  • Plantar sides of middle phalanges of lateral four toes

Action

  • Flexes lateral four toes at proximal interphalangeal joint

Innervation

  • Medial plantar nerve from tibial nerve: S2,S3

Blood Supply

  • Medial plantar artery