AnatoMemory

Muscle

Flexor hallucis longus

Flexes the big toe, push-off

Lower limbMuscular system

High-yield

Push-off power for the great toe; tibial nerve. Tendon is the "Harry" behind the medial malleolus.

Overview

A powerful deep posterior leg muscle that flexes the great toe and provides the final push-off in walking and running.

Reference facts

Origin
Posterior surface of the fibula and interosseous membrane
Insertion
Base of the distal phalanx of the great toe
Action
Flexes the great toe and plantarflexes the ankle; supports the medial arch
Innervation
Tibial nerve (S1, S2, S3)
Blood supply
Fibular (peroneal) artery

Frequently asked questions

What does the flexor hallucis longus do?

The flexor hallucis longus flexes the great toe and plantarflexes the ankle; supports the medial arch.

What nerve innervates the flexor hallucis longus?

The flexor hallucis longus is innervated by the tibial nerve (S1, S2, S3).

Where does the flexor hallucis longus attach?

The flexor hallucis longus originates from the posterior surface of the fibula and interosseous membrane and inserts on the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe.

What is the blood supply of the flexor hallucis longus?

The flexor hallucis longus is supplied by the fibular (peroneal) artery.