Third Lumbrical of Foot (Left) (Musculus lumbricalis pedis tertius)
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Anatomy
The bipennate third vermiform muscle, arising from the adjacent sides of the second and third tendons of flexor digitorum longus and running to the fourth toe through the extensor hood.
Origin & insertion
From the adjacent sides of the second and third tendons of flexor digitorum longus, into the lateral aspect of the extensor hood and metatarsophalangeal capsule of the fourth toe.
Action
Flexes the metatarsophalangeal joint of the fourth toe and extends its interphalangeal joints.
Innervation
Lateral plantar nerve (S2–S3).
Clinical notes
With the interossei it stabilises the metatarsophalangeal joints in the weight-bearing tripod of the forefoot; weakness shifts load to the metatarsal heads, the basis of transfer metatarsalgia under the central rays.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Third Lumbrical of Foot (Left)?
The bipennate third vermiform muscle, arising from the adjacent sides of the second and third tendons of flexor digitorum longus and running to the fourth toe through the extensor hood.
Why is the Third Lumbrical of Foot (Left) clinically important?
With the interossei it stabilises the metatarsophalangeal joints in the weight-bearing tripod of the forefoot; weakness shifts load to the metatarsal heads, the basis of transfer metatarsalgia under the central rays.
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