Flexor Digitorum Longus

Question 1

What movements does the flexor digitorum longus contribute to?

Answer 1

The flexor digitorum longus contributes plantar flexion and inversion of the ankle, primarily through curling the second through fifth toes.

Question 2

Which nerve innervates the flexor digitorum longus?

Answer 2

The tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, innervates the flexor digitorum longus.

Question 3

Where does the flexor digitorum longus arise from and insert into?

Answer 3

The flexor digitorum longus arises from the posterior surface of the tibia, from immediately below the soleal line to within 7 or 8 cm of its lower extremity, medial to the tibial origin of the tibialis posterior; it also arises from the fascia covering the tibialis posterior.

The fibers end in a tendon which passes behind the medial malleolus, in a groove common to it and the tibialis posterior, but separated from the latter by a fibrous septum. After passing obliquely forward and laterally, the tendon expands and is joined by the quadratus plantae before dividing into four tendons that insert into the bases of the second, third, fourth and fifth phalanges.