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Origin: The posterior surface of the tibia and to the medial part of the fascia covering the tibialis posterior
Insertion: Plantar surfaces of the bases of the distal phalanges of the four lateral toes
Actions: Flexion of the four lateral toes
Innervation: Tibial nerve (L5, S1, S2 )
Blood Supply: Posterior tibial artery
Primary Actions of the Flexor Digitorum Longus Muscle
- Flexion of the four lateral toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints
Agonists:
- Flexor Digitorum Brevis
- Flexor Digiti Minimi (fifth digit)
Antagonists:
- Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Extensor Digitorum Brevis
Lumbricals, dorsal interossei (second, third, and fourth digits), and plantar interossei (third, fourth, and fifth digits) assist with flexion of the toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints.
2. Flexion of the four lateral toes at the proximal interphalangeal joints
Agonists:
- Flexor Digitorum Brevis
Antagonists:
- Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Extensor Digitorum Brevis
3. Flexion of the four lateral toes at the distal interphalangeal joints
Agonists:
- None
Antagonists:
- Extensor Digitorum Longus
Secondary Actions of the Flexor Digitorum Longus Muscle
1. Assists with plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle
Agonists:
- Gastrocnemius
- Soleus
Antagonists: Tibialis Anterior
Plantaris, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus, and flexor hallucis longus also assist with plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle.
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