Muscle
Tibialis anterior
Chief dorsiflexor
High-yield
Prime dorsiflexor and invertor; deep fibular nerve. Weakness causes foot drop.
Overview
The main muscle of the anterior leg compartment, dorsiflexing and inverting the foot and clearing the toes during swing.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Lateral condyle and proximal lateral surface of the tibia and interosseous membrane
- Insertion
- Medial cuneiform and base of the 1st metatarsal
- Action
- Dorsiflexes the ankle and inverts the foot
- Innervation
- Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L4, L5)
- Blood supply
- Anterior tibial artery
Clinical correlation
Deep fibular nerve or L4/L5 lesion → foot drop and steppage gait.
Frequently asked questions
What does the tibialis anterior do?
The tibialis anterior dorsiflexes the ankle and inverts the foot.
What nerve innervates the tibialis anterior?
The tibialis anterior is innervated by the deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L4, L5).
Where does the tibialis anterior attach?
The tibialis anterior originates from the lateral condyle and proximal lateral surface of the tibia and interosseous membrane and inserts on the medial cuneiform and base of the 1st metatarsal.
What is the blood supply of the tibialis anterior?
The tibialis anterior is supplied by the anterior tibial artery.