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Extensor Digitorum Brevis Origin, Insertion, Action, Agonist

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Origin: Dorsal surface of the calcaneus,  plantar aponeurosis and intermuscular septum

Insertion: Proximal dorsal region of the middle phalanges of digits 2, 3, 4

Actions: Extension of the four lateral toes (2, 3, 4)

Innervation: Deep fibular nerve

Blood Supply: Branches from the anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery.

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If you are looking for pain and symptoms information, please visit the Extensor Digitorum Brevis pain page

Primary Actions of the Extensor Digitorum Brevis Muscle

1. Extension of the second, third, and fourth toes at the proximal interphalangeal joints.

Agonists: Extensor Digitorum Longus

Antagonists:

  • Flexor Digitorum Brevis
  • Flexor Digitorum Longus

2. Extension of the second, third, and fourth toes at the distal  interphalangeal  joints

Agonists:

  • Extensor Digitorum Longus

Antagonists:

  • Flexor Digitorum Brevis
  • Flexor Digitorum Longus

3. Assists with extension of the second, third, and fourth toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints.

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References:

Clay, J. H., Allen, L., Pounds, D. (2015). Clay & Pounds' Basic Clinical Massage Therapy: Integrating Anatomy and Treatment (3rd ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Netter, F. (2014). Atlas of Human Anatomy (6th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Saunders.

Muscolino, J., (2016) Kinesiology: The Skeletal System and Muscle Function (3rd ed.). Maryland Heights, Missouri: Mosby.

Image Credits: Dreamstime 

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