Foot Anatomy Overview

A muscle in the foot that flexes both the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints of the four lesser toes.

A muscle that flexes and abducts the 5th toe at the MTP joint.

The group of muscles that lie under the flexor retinaculum and fibrous flexor sheaths of the toes.

Long, thin muscles that originate from the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendons. They flex the metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint and extend the interphalangeal (IP) joints of the lateral four toes.

A muscle that helps flex the MP and IP joints of the toes, straightening out the pull of the FDL tendon.

A muscle that flexes the 1st metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, located on the plantar aspect of the midfoot.

A muscle that flexes the 5th toe at the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint.

A muscle with two heads that flexes and adducts the 1st MTP joint.

Thickening of deep fascia forming a strong fibrous sheet. It spans the length of the plantar surface of the foot, anchoring skin to skeleton, providing compartment boundaries, and supporting the plantar arches.

Specialized adipose tissue within the superficial fascia, divided by fibrous septa. They provide cushioning and prevent fat dispersal under weight-bearing areas.

Outermost layer of foot muscles, responsible for toe flexion and abduction. Abductor hallucis is a key example.

Muscle that abducts and flexes the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ). It originates from the medial calcaneal tuberosity and inserts on the proximal phalanx of the hallux.

The sole of the foot, opposite the dorsal surface (top). It's thicker and less mobile, with numerous nerve endings and sweat glands.

The difference in structure and function between the dorsal and plantar surfaces of the foot.

The medial and lateral plantar nerves are branches of the tibial nerve, innervating the skin of the toes. The medial and lateral plantar arteries, from the posterior tibial artery, supply blood to the toes.

The arrangement of muscles in the sole by compartment (medial, central, lateral, deep) and by layer (4 layers, superficial to deep). Muscles in more superficial layers originate more proximally, and insert just distal to the most distal joint they act upon.

A group of muscles in the foot that act together, usually on the toes.

The 'four layers of sole muscles' are arranged from superficial to deep, reflecting their origin and function.

Muscles responsible for flexing the metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) joint and extending the interphalangeal (IPJ) joints of the 3rd-5th toes. They are also involved in adducting the MPJ joint.

A thick ligament that supports the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. It acts as a 'spring' by connecting the sustentaculum tali (a bony projection on the calcaneus) to the navicular bone.

A structural component of the foot that distributes weight, absorbs shock, and protects underlying structures.

The highest point of the medial longitudinal arch, often formed by the talus.

A structure that links the two ends of an arch, preventing separation, and providing structural support.

The windlass effect describes how extending the metatarsophalangeal (MPJ) joint increases the height of the longitudinal arches of the foot due to the tension created in the plantar aponeurosis.

Muscles that contribute to the support of the medial longitudinal arch. They act as 'tiebeams', 'staples', or 'suspension' structures.

Muscles that contribute to the support of the lateral longitudinal arch. These muscles also help to stabilize the transverse arch.

These structures, primarily ligaments and fascia, provide passive support to the arches of the foot when standing. They help maintain the shape of the arches by preventing excessive collapse.

These structures, primarily muscles, provide active support to the arches of the foot during locomotion. They help stabilize and adjust the shape of the arches during movement.