10 Questions
What is the origin of the deep peroneal nerve?
The lateral side of the neck of the fibula
Which muscle is pierced by the deep peroneal nerve during its course?
Extensor digitoreum longus
What is the destination of the deep peroneal nerve after it enters the foot?
It divides into two branches under the superior extensor retinaculum
Which of the following muscles is NOT supplied by the deep peroneal nerve?
Gastrocnemius
What is the function of the superior extensor retinaculum?
It holds the tendons of the extensor muscles in place
Which of the following is a terminal branch of the deep peroneal nerve?
Lateral terminal branch
What is the distribution of the lateral terminal branch of the deep peroneal nerve?
It supplies the extensor digitorum brevis and the joints of the foot
Which muscle is supplied by the medial terminal branch of the deep peroneal nerve?
Big and second toes
What is the relationship between the deep peroneal nerve and the anterior tibial artery?
They run together in the anterior compartment of the leg
What is the anatomical location of the inferior extensor retinaculum?
Dorsum of the foot
Study Notes
Muscles of the Anterior Compartment
- 5 muscles are present in the anterior compartment:
- Tibialis anterior
- Extensor hallucis longus
- Extensor digitorum longus
- Peroneus (fibularis) tertius
- Nerve supply: deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve
- Action: dorsiflexion mainly
Extensor Hallucis Longus
- Origin: middle 2/4 of the anterior surface of the fibula
- Insertion: into the distal phalanx of the big toe (hallux)
- Nerve supply: deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve
- Action: dorsiflexion of the ankle joint, extension of all joints of the big toe
Peroneus (Fibularis) Tertius
- Origin: lower 1/4 of the anterior surface of the fibula
- Insertion: into the dorsal surface of the 5th metatarsal bone
- Nerve supply: deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve
- Action: dorsiflexion of the ankle joint, eversion of the foot
Tibialis Anterior
- Origin: upper 2/3 of the lateral surface of the shaft of tibia
- Insertion: into the dorsal surface of the medial cuneiform bone and 1st metatarsal bone
- Nerve supply: deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve
- Action: dorsiflexion of the ankle joint, inversion of the foot
Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Origin: upper 3/4 of the anterior surface of the shaft of the fibula
- Insertion: by four tendons into the extensor expansions of the lateral four toes
- Nerve supply: deep peroneal (anterior tibial) nerve
- Action: dorsiflexion of the ankle joint
Extensor Retinacula
- A thickened band of deep fascia which bridges over the extensor tendons in front of the ankle joint
- Keeps the tendons in position during their contraction
- Structures passing deep to the inferior extensor retinaculum:
- Tibialis anterior
- Extensor hallucis longus
- Anterior tibial vessels
- Anterior tibial nerve
- Extensor digitorum longus
- Peroneus tertius
Deep Peroneal (Anterior Tibial) Nerve
- Origin: larger of the two terminal branches of the common peroneal nerve
- Course: pierces the anterior intermuscular septum and the extensor digitoreum longus muscle to reach the anterior compartment of the leg
- End: enters the dorsum of the foot deep to the superior extensor retinaculum and divides into two lateral and medial terminal branches
- Branches:
- Muscular branches to: Tibialis anterior, Extensor digitoreum longus, Extensor hallucis longus, Peroneus tertius
- Terminal branches:
- Lateral terminal branch: supplies the extensor digitoreum brevis and the joints of the foot
- Medial terminal branch: supplies the adjacent side of the big and second toes
Test your knowledge of the muscles in the lower limb, including their origins, insertions, nerve supply, and actions. Questions cover the extensor hallucis longus, peroneus tertius, and more.
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