Muscle
Extensor hallucis longus
Extends the big toe
High-yield
Extends the great toe; weakness of EHL is a classic sign of L5 radiculopathy. Deep fibular nerve.
Overview
A thin anterior leg muscle between tibialis anterior and EDL that extends the great toe and dorsiflexes the ankle; key for testing L5.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Middle anterior surface of the fibula and interosseous membrane
- Insertion
- Base of the distal phalanx of the great toe (hallux)
- Action
- Extends the great toe and dorsiflexes the ankle
- Innervation
- Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5, S1)
- Blood supply
- Anterior tibial artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the extensor hallucis longus do?
The extensor hallucis longus extends the great toe and dorsiflexes the ankle.
What nerve innervates the extensor hallucis longus?
The extensor hallucis longus is innervated by the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5, S1).
Where does the extensor hallucis longus attach?
The extensor hallucis longus originates from the middle anterior surface of the fibula and interosseous membrane and inserts on the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe (hallux).
What is the blood supply of the extensor hallucis longus?
The extensor hallucis longus is supplied by the anterior tibial artery.