Foot Anatomy Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary action of the flexor digitorum brevis (FDB)?

Extend the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ)

Abduct the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ)

Flex the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ)

Flex both metatarsophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints (correct)

Which nerve innervates the abductor digiti minimi (AbDM)?

Superficial peroneal nerve

Deep peroneal nerve

Medial plantar nerve

Lateral plantar nerve (correct)

What is the insertion site for the lumbricals in the foot?

Lateral border of the flexor digitorum longus tendon

Base of the fifth proximal phalanx

Base of the proximal phalanx of the lesser toes and extensor hood (correct)

Midfoot via sesamoid bones

Which muscle acts to straighten the pull of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL)?

Quadratus plantae (QP) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following origins does the flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) have?

Plantar aspect of the midfoot Signup and view all the answers

What type of muscle configuration do the plantar interossei have?

Unipennate Signup and view all the answers

Which action is performed by the adductor hallucis (AdH)?

Flex and adduct the first MTPJ Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary actions of the quadratus plantae (QP)?

Flex both metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of the plantar interossei muscles on the toes?

Flex and adduct MPJ Signup and view all the answers

Which ligament connects the calcaneus to the cuboid and supports the foot's longitudinal arch?

Long plantar ligament Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'keystone' structure of the medial longitudinal arch?

Head of talus Signup and view all the answers

Which structure is responsible for the windlass effect during MPJ extension?

Plantar aponeurosis Signup and view all the answers

Which muscles are primarily responsible for abducting the metatarsophalangeal joints?

Dorsal interossei Signup and view all the answers

What role do the 'staples' play in the support of the transverse arch?

Link individual components and prevent separation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a function of the arches of the foot?

Muscle relaxation Signup and view all the answers

Which ligaments provide passive structure to support the longitudinal arch while standing?

Bones, ligaments, and fascia Signup and view all the answers

Which tendon supports the lateral longitudinal arch by acting as a suspension structure?

Peroneus longus Signup and view all the answers

What establishes the 'tiebeam' structure for the medial longitudinal arch?

Flexor hallucis longus Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the plantar aponeurosis?

To anchor the skin to the skeleton and contain plantar tissues Signup and view all the answers

The loculated fat pads in the plantar foot are primarily found under which areas during weightbearing?

Under the distal phalanges and heel Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the skin on the dorsum compared to the sole of the foot?

The dorsum is hairy while the sole is glaborous and thicker Signup and view all the answers

What structures lie between the first and second layers of muscles in the sole?

Medial and lateral plantar blood vessels and nerves Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary action of the muscle Abductor hallucis?

To abduct and flex the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the layers of muscles in the sole is true?

Muscles in more superficial layers originate further from the foot Signup and view all the answers

What role does the dense fibrous connective tissue (CT) have in the plantar aponeurosis?

It forms boundaries for muscle compartments and provides structural integrity Signup and view all the answers

The medial plantar nerve supplies which of the following?

Medial 3.5 toes on the plantar aspect of the foot Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly identifies the attachments of the plantar aponeurosis?

Medial tubercle of calcaneus, 5 slips to proximal phalanges, and septa to tarsals Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Foot Anatomy

The plantar foot is complex, with multiple layers of structures that work together
Surface structures differ from the dorsal, the skin's thickness varies, with more sweat glands and nerves on the sole
The sole, or underside of the foot, shows features including superficial structures such as fat pads and the plantar aponeurosis
Muscles are organized into compartments and layers (4 in total) that work to support the arch and movement of the foot
There are supportive ligaments and arches in the foot
A network of nerves and vessels (neurovascular) supports the foot
The loculated fat pads provide protection and cushion the foot and are specialized for weight distribution
The plantar aponeurosis is a thickening of deep fascia, which runs along the sole of the foot, attaching to the calcaneus and extends to the phalanges and metatarsals
Structures are essential for stabilizing the skeletal components of the foot, and for containing and supporting soft tissues

Muscle Layering

Foot muscles are organized by compartment and layer (superficial to deep). This organization correlates to how muscles originate and insert within the layered structure of the foot
Layer 1 muscles include: abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and abductor digiti minimi. These muscles have specific origins, insertions, actions, and nerve innervations.
Layer 2 contains the extrinsic muscles, flexor digitorum longus (FDL), flexor hallucis longus (FHL), synovial tendon sheaths. These generally originate outside and act on the digits of the foot. The muscles in this layer create tendon sheaths, which assist in movement and support of the foot.
Layer 3 intrinsic muscles: flexor hallucis brevis(FHB), flexor digiti minimi (FDM), adductor hallucis. These muscles act on the joints of the foot, with specific actions impacting the toes and feet.
Layer 4 intrinsic muscles: plantar interossei. and dorsal interossei. These muscles act to adduct or abduct the toes, affecting how they move and the alignment of the foot.

Neurovascular

The neurovascular components of the sole reside between the muscle layers and contain nerves and blood vessels. The tibial nerve and its branches supply cutaneous sensation and motor functions, while plantar arteries/veins supply blood to the metatarsals, toes, and the arch.

Arches and Ligaments

The foot has longitudinal and transverse arches, providing elasticity, shock absorption, and weight distribution.
Key support structures within the arches include several ligaments (e.g., plantar calcaneonavicular/spring ligament, short plantar ligament, long plantar ligament), which provide stability
The passive structures (bones, ligaments, fascia) support the foot under load, while active structures (muscles) regulate it during movement. The mechanisms of arch support include crucial structures and actions, such as keystone, tiebeams, and staples
The plantar arches' function is related to weight distribution, shock absorption, and protection of soft tissues in the foot.

Windlass Effect

The plantar aponeurosis demonstrates a windlass action when the metatarsophalangeal (MTPJ) joint extends
This increases the arch's height, enhancing the foot's stability during push-off and mid-stance phases of gait

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Description

Explore the complex structure of the foot and its various components, including the plantar surface, muscular organization, and supportive ligaments. This quiz delves into the intricacies of how these structures contribute to movement, stability, and weight distribution. Perfect for students of anatomy or anyone interested in understanding foot biomechanics.