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

The extensor digitorum longus is one of the muscles within the anterior compartment of the leg. Collectively, the muscles of the anterior compartment act to extend the toes, dorsiflex the ankle and invert the foot.

The leg is comprised of anterior, lateral and posterior compartments.

The anterior compartment consists of four muscles:

Origin

  • Proximal 1/2 medial surface of fibula
  • Lateral tibial condyle

Insertion

  • Dorsal expansions of four tendons into bases of distal and middle phalanges of lateral four toes

Action

  • Extension of lateral four toes
  • Dorsiflexion of foot

Innervation

  • Deep fibular nerve: L5,S1

Blood Supply

  • Anterior tibial artery