
Extensor Hallucis Longus Muscle
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
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
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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
Muscle Pain Information: The extensor hallucis longus contributes to pain in the big toe, top of the foot, and ankle.