Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot)
Foot · Lower Limb
The flexor digiti minimi brevis of the foot is a small muscle of the third plantar layer on the lateral side of the sole. It arises from the base of the fifth metatarsal and the long plantar ligament, and it inserts on the lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth toe. Its action is to flex the fifth toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint, contributing to the grip of the lateral toes during walking. It is supplied by the superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve (S2-S3). It mirrors the arrangement of the little-finger flexor in the hand and works alongside the abductor digiti minimi to control the little toe.
Origin, Insertion, Action & Nerve
Origin
Base of the fifth metatarsal and the long plantar ligament
Insertion
Lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth toe
Action
Flexes the fifth toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint
Nerve
Superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve (S2–S3)
Attachments explained
The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) is defined first by where it attaches. Its origin is the more fixed anchor, usually the proximal or more stable end that stays put during contraction, while its insertion is the more mobile point that is pulled toward the origin when the muscle shortens.
Origin
Base of the fifth metatarsal and the long plantar ligament
Insertion
Lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth toe
Action & function
When the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) contracts, it produces the following movement: Flexes the fifth toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint.
As part of the Foot group of the Lower Limb, it works alongside neighbouring muscles to generate smooth, coordinated movement and to stabilise the structures it acts on.
Nerve supply & clinical relevance
The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) receives its nerve supply from the Superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve (S2–S3). This nerve carries fibres from spinal segment(s) S2, S3.
Because a muscle can only contract when its nerve is intact, injury to the Superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve or to its spinal roots (S2, S3) can weaken or paralyse the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot), impairing the movements it normally produces (flexes the fifth toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint). This is why knowing the innervation is central to localising nerve lesions in clinical practice.
How to study the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) (the OIANS method)
Study this as the little-toe counterpart of flexor hallucis brevis. Both are short, third-layer flexors that act on a border toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint, one medial and one lateral. Placing its origin at the base of the fifth metatarsal and its insertion at the fifth toe's proximal phalanx makes its flexing action obvious.
Fix its nerve as the superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve, distinguishing it from the adductor hallucis, which takes the deep branch. Grouping it with the abductor digiti minimi on the lateral border, both lateral plantar in supply, mirrors the hypothenar muscles of the hand and keeps the little-toe intrinsics coherent.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) located?
The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) is a muscle of the Foot group, located in the Lower Limb.
What is the origin of the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot)?
Base of the fifth metatarsal and the long plantar ligament
What is the insertion of the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot)?
Lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth toe
What movements does the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) produce?
Flexes the fifth toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint
What nerve supplies the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot)?
Superficial branch of the lateral plantar nerve (S2–S3)
Is the Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) free to study in OIANS?
The Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot) is always free to browse. Its full origin, insertion, action and nerve details are open to everyone in the Muscle Directory. Quiz and Flashcard practice for the Lower Limb is part of the one-time Lifetime upgrade, though; only the Upper Limb decks are free to test yourself on.
Related muscles
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