Muscle Anatomy of the Quadratus Plantae
Origin: Lateral head: attaches to the lateral side of the calcaneus and to the long plantar ligament
Medial Head: attaches to the medial surface of the calcaneus
Insertion: Attaches into the dorsal and plantar surface of the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus.
Action: Assists with flexion of the four small toes
Innervation: Lateral plantar nerve (S1, S2, S3)
Vascular Supply: Branches of the posterior tibial artery
Muscle Anatomy: Quadratus Plantae Actions
Primary Action of the quadratus plantae:
1. The quadratus plantae does not have a primary action
Secondary Action of the quadratus plantae:
2. Assists flexion of the 2nd – 4th toes
Agonists: Flexor Digitorum Longus
Antagonists:
- Extensor Digitorum Longus
- Extensor Digitorum Brevis
For Pain and Symtom Information See: Quadratus Plantae Muscle: Heel Pain
McMinn’s Color Atlas of Foot and Ankle Anatomy is a very good foot anatomy for students who need more than the very basics. The book filled with images including x-rays, images of the anatomy with cadavers, and live human models. I recommend this book not only to students but to medical professionals for the clear anatomical photos that are useful with patients. I also highly recommend this book for to massage therapists, personal and athletic trainers as it helps you develop the mind’s eye view of the soft tissues and bones that you will be treating. Also available in a Kindle Edition.
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 lay person who wants to gain understanding of the muscle, skeletal system and how our bodies move. This book will not disappoint!
