Skip to content
Extensor Hallucis Longus Origin, Insertion, Action and Innervation
Muscle Anatomy of the Extensor Hallucis Longus
Origin: Middle half of the medial surface of the fibula
Insertion: Dorsal aspect of the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe
Actions: Extension of the great toe
Innervation: Deep peroneal nerve (L5, S1)
Blood Supply: Branches from the anterior tibial artery
Extensor Hallucis Longus Actions With Agonists and Antagonists
Primary Actions of the Extensor Hallucis Longus
1. Extension of the great toe at the interphalangeal joint
Agonists:
- Extensor hallucis brevis
Antagonists:
- Flexor hallucis longus
2. Extension of the great toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint
Agonists:
- Extensor hallucis brevis
Antagonists:
- Flexor hallucis longus
- Flexor hallucis brevis
Secondary Actions of the Extensor Hallucis Longus
1. Assists with dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle
Agonists:
- Tibialis anterior
Antagonists:
- Gastrocnemius
- Soleus
Peroneus tertius and extensor digitorum longus also assist with dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle.
2. Tightens the subtalar joints
Information about the cause and effect of extensor hallucis longus pain:
Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscle: Big Toe Pain
Advertisement
If you are a student, take advantage of Prime Student. Perks include:
- Great deals just for Students
- Free shipping
- Stream your favorite movies and T.V. shows
- Listen to your favorite songs with Prime Music
- Unlimited photo storage
Recommended Anatomy Books:
The Anatomy Coloring Book is one of the best study and reference books for beginning anatomy students. The diagrams are clearly labeled and allow you to see the relationship and placement of the various structures of the body. You will also be surprised by how the act of coloring will help with recall. But this is not just a beginners book, it is also great for practitioners and therapists to have on hand to use with clients and patients to use as a visual reference.
The Trail Guide To The Body is another excellent book to help you learn the musculature of the human body. Though the book is geared toward massage therapists and physical therapist assistants, the book with its illustrations and text helps anyone gain a thorough understanding of the human musculoskeletal system and movement. I highly recommend this book for anyone studying anatomy and believe that MTs, PTAs, and teachers of body movements should have this book in their possession. I also highly recommend this book for the layperson who wants to gain an understanding of the muscle, skeletal system and how our bodies move. This book will not disappoint!
Out of the scores of books in my office, Basic Clinical Massage Therapy is by far the most referenced book in my library. The musculoskeletal system is overlaid on human models allowing you to learn the precise location, origin, and insertions of each muscle. The models are pictured in various poses throughout the book which also helps you visualize muscles in motion and their actions relationship with the skeletal structure and other muscles. Though it is written for massage therapists, it is an excellent book for anyone who wants to learn about the muscular system. MT's will benefit from the recommended treatments for each muscle.
Massage Therapist
Owner: thewellnessdigest.com
Twelve years of experience working with clients with chronic pain, post injury pain, and post surgery pain. Muscle dysfunction is often overlooked but can hold the key to many pain conditions.
