Chapter 10 - Section 10.5 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 372: 13

The extensor digitorum brevis is a muscle located on the dorsal (top) aspect of the foot. It plays a crucial role in extending (straightening) the toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints and assisting in dorsiflexion of the foot. Here's more information about the extensor digitorum brevis muscle: **Extensor Digitorum Brevis:** - **Location:** The extensor digitorum brevis is found on the dorsal surface of the foot. It lies deep to the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus, which run down from the leg and extend to the toes. - **Origin:** The muscle originates from the calcaneus (heel bone) and the surrounding connective tissue. - **Insertion:** It inserts onto the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and extends to the middle and distal phalanges of the second to fourth toes (digits 2-4). - **Function:** The primary function of the extensor digitorum brevis is to extend the toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints, allowing the toes to straighten. It also assists in dorsiflexion of the foot, which is the action of lifting the foot and toes toward the shin. - **Role in Foot Function:** This muscle is involved in activities that require the toes to be actively lifted, such as during the swing phase of walking or when trying to clear an obstacle with the toes. It contributes to the overall functionality of the foot and ankle complex. The extensor digitorum brevis is one of the muscles responsible for controlling toe movements and maintaining foot posture during various activities.

The extensor digitorum brevis is a muscle located on the dorsal (top) aspect of the foot. It plays a crucial role in extending (straightening) the toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints and assisting in dorsiflexion of the foot. Here's more information about the extensor digitorum brevis muscle: **Extensor Digitorum Brevis:** - **Location:** The extensor digitorum brevis is found on the dorsal surface of the foot. It lies deep to the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus, which run down from the leg and extend to the toes. - **Origin:** The muscle originates from the calcaneus (heel bone) and the surrounding connective tissue. - **Insertion:** It inserts onto the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and extends to the middle and distal phalanges of the second to fourth toes (digits 2-4). - **Function:** The primary function of the extensor digitorum brevis is to extend the toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints, allowing the toes to straighten. It also assists in dorsiflexion of the foot, which is the action of lifting the foot and toes toward the shin. - **Role in Foot Function:** This muscle is involved in activities that require the toes to be actively lifted, such as during the swing phase of walking or when trying to clear an obstacle with the toes. It contributes to the overall functionality of the foot and ankle complex. The extensor digitorum brevis is one of the muscles responsible for controlling toe movements and maintaining foot posture during various activities.