The abductor digiti minimi (abductor minimi digiti, abductor digiti quinti) is a muscle that lies along the lateral (outer) border of the foot and is in relation to its medial margin with the lateral plantar artery, vein, and nerves. Its homolog in the arm is the abductor digiti minimi muscle in the hand. Latin: Musculus abductor digiti minimi pedisAntagonist: Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle
The abductor digiti minimi (abductor minimi digiti, abductor digiti quinti) is a muscle that lies along the lateral (outer) border of the foot,[1] and is in relation to its medial margin with the lateral plantar artery, vein, and nerves.
Its homolog in the arm is the abductor digiti minimi muscle in the hand.
Contents
- 1Origin and insertion
- 2Innervation
- 3Function
- 4Clinical relevance
- 5Etymology
- 6Additional images
- 7References
Origin and insertion
It arises, by a broad origin, from the lateral process of the tuberosity of the calcaneus, from the undersurface of the calcaneus between the two processes of the tuberosity, from the forepart of the medial process, from the plantar aponeurosis, and from the intermuscular septum between it and the flexor digitorum Brevis.[2]
Its tendon, after gliding over a smooth facet on the surface of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone, is inserted, with the flexor digiti quinti brevis, into the fibular side of the base of the first phalanx of the fifth toe.[2]
Innervation
The abductor digiti minimi is innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, a branch of the tibial nerve.
Function
Its function is flexion[3] and abduction of the fifth (little) toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint.[2][3]
Clinical relevance
Due to its role in posture during all physical activity while in an upright position, the abductor digiti minimi is often the target of injury.[citation needed]
In the case of polydactyly, it may insert to the sixth toe instead if there is one.[citation needed]
Etymology
The Latin name abductor digiti minimi translates to abductor of the small digit while the alternative name abductor digiti quinti means abductor of the fifth digit.
Additional images
- Human Cadaverdissection of the muscles in the foot seen from below.
- Bones of the right foot seen from below.
- Coronal section through right talocrural and talocalcaneal joints.
| Abductor digiti minimi muscle of the foot | |
|---|---|
| The first layer of the muscles of the sole (abductor digiti minimi visible at center right). | |
| Superficial view of the plantar arteries (abductor digiti minimi visible at center right). | |
| Details | |
| Origin | Plantar aponeurosis |
| Insertion | Fifth toe or phalanges |
| Artery | Lateral plantar artery |
| Nerve | Lateral plantar nerve |
| Actions | Flexion and abduction of the fifth toe |
| Antagonist | Flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | Musculus abductor digiti minimi pedis |
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