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Extensor digitorum longus
Other Terms:
Musculus extensor digitorum longus,
Muscle long extenseur des orteils
Muscle parts
None
Latin name
Musculus extensor digitorum longus
Latin muscle parts
None
Group
Crural muscle – anterior compartment
Etymology
In English this muscle’s name is the long muscle that straightens the toes. The word extensor comes from the Latin ex meaning “out from” and tendere meaning “to stretch.” The term digitorum is from the Latin digitus, which originally meant the “pointing thing,” a term that is similar to the Sanskrit word “dic” meaning to show or point out. Because we point with our fingers the term was applied to the fingers and then the toes. Longus is the Latin term meaning “long.” This is being used as a comparative reference to a shorter muscle that does the same thing.
Origin
Lateral condyle of the tibia, proximal 3/4ths of the medial surface of the fibula, and the adjacent interosseous membrane.
Insertion
Middle phalanx and distal phalanx of the four lesser toes via the extensor expansion.
Action
Dorsal flexion of the ankle joint; extension of the four small toes
Nerve supply
Deep peroneal nerve (L5 and S1)
Blood supply
The muscle belly is supplied by muscular branches from the anterior tibial artery. From proximal to distal the tendon of the muscle receives blood supply from the anterior lateral malleolar artery, tarsal branches of the dorsalis pedis artery, and the second to fourth dorsal metatarsal arteries.
Latin
Musculus extensor digitorum longus
French
Muscle long extenseur des orteils
