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Extensor digitorum longus

The extensor digitorum longus (Latin: musculus extensor digitorum longus) is a long, thin muscle located in the anterior compartment of the leg, just behind the tibialis anterior. Like the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus, the extensor digitorum longus is also known as one of the extensors. It stretches between the fibula, tibia and phalanges.

Extensor digitorum longus
OriginAnteromedial aspect of proximal fibula, lateral condyle of tibia, upper anterior surface of interosseous membrane of leg
InsertionDistal and middle phalanges of 2nd to 5th fingers
ActionExtension of 2nd to 5th toes, foot dorsiflexion
InnervationDeep peroneal (fibular) nerve (L4 - S1)
Blood supply Branches of anterior tibial artery
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Extensor digitorum longus by Anatomy.app

 

Origin

The extensor digitorum longus muscle originates from the lateral condyle of the tibia and the anteromedial aspect of the proximal fibula. Also, it arises from the upper anterior surface of the interosseous membrane of the leg.

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Origin and insertion of extensor digitorum longus by Anatomy.app

 

Insertion

The extensor digitorum longus goes down the leg. Above the ankle, it forms a tendon that passes below the superior extensor retinaculum and goes through the inferior extensor retinaculum. Within the inferior extensor retinaculum, the tendon divides into four tendon slips that insert on the distal and middle phalanges of the second to fifth fingers as part of the extensor expansion complex.

Extensor digitorum longus, Insertion of extensor digitorum longus, Anterior compartment of leg, Leg extensors, Leg muscles, Anterior compartment muscles, Human foot
Insertion of extensor digitorum longus by Anatomy.app

 

Action

The extensor digitorum longus muscle provides foot dorsiflexion at the talocrural (ankle) joint and extension of the toes at the second to fifth metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints.

 

Innervation

The extensor digitorum longus is innervated by the deep peroneal (fibular) nerve (L4 - S1) - a branch of the common peroneal (fibular) nerve.

 

Blood supply

The extensor digitorum longus muscle receives arterial blood supply from the branches of the anterior tibial artery.