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Tendon of extensor hallucis longus
Muscle parts
None
Latin name
Musculus extensor hallucis longus
Latin muscle parts
None
Group
Crural muscle – anterior compartment
Etymology
In English this muscle’s name is the long muscle that straightens the big toe. The word extensor comes from the Latin ex meaning “out from” and tendere meaning “to stretch.”The term hallucis is from the Latin hallux, which originally arose from the Greek halmos meaning “to leap or spring.” The big toe was so-named because of its functional role in leaping.Longus is the Latin term meaning “long.” This is being used as a comparative reference to a shorter muscle that does the same thing.
Origin
Medial surface of the middle portion of the fibula and the adjacent interosseous membrane.
Insertion
Dorsal side of the base of the distal phalanx of the large toe with tendinous expansions to the base of the proximal phalanx on either side.
Action
Dorsal flexion of ankle; extension of big toe
Nerve supply
Deep peroneal nerve (L5)
Blood supply
The muscle belly is supplied by muscular branches from the anterior tibial artery. From proximal to distal the tendon of the muscle receives blood supply from the anterior lateral malleolar artery, tarsal branches of the dorsalis pedis artery, and the first dorsal metatarsal artery.