Extensor digitorum longus (Musculus extensor digitorum longus)
Educational content only — not medical advice.
Anatomy
A superficial anterior-compartment muscle whose tendon splits into four slips over the dorsal foot in the fourth compartment, each digit receiving an extensor expansion like the hand.
Origin & insertion
Lateral condyle of tibia, upper fibular shaft and interosseous membrane.
Action
Extends the four lateral toes and assists dorsiflexion.
Innervation
Deep peroneal nerve (L5–S1).
Clinical notes
Deep peroneal palsy abolishes extension of the four lateral toes; its long tendon is the standard transfer for correcting a clawed great toe (Jones transfer).
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Extensor digitorum longus?
A superficial anterior-compartment muscle whose tendon splits into four slips over the dorsal foot in the fourth compartment, each digit receiving an extensor expansion like the hand.
Why is the Extensor digitorum longus clinically important?
Deep peroneal palsy abolishes extension of the four lateral toes; its long tendon is the standard transfer for correcting a clawed great toe (Jones transfer).
Source & license
BodyParts3D, © The Database Center for Life Science licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). license details