Flexor hallucis longus primarily flexes which toe?

Flexor hallucis longus primarily flexes which toe?

• A. The 1st toe (hallux)
• B. The 2nd toe
• C. The 3rd toe
• D. The 5th toe

Answer: (A)

Flexor hallucis longus primarily flexes the big toe (the hallux). Its tendon inserts on the distal phalanx of the hallux, enabling flexion at both the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the first toe. This makes the big toe the main toe that this muscle acts upon, whereas the other toes are mainly flexed by other muscles like the flexor digitorum longus. In addition to this primary action, the muscle assists in plantarflexion of the foot and helps support the medial longitudinal arch.

Flexor hallucis longus primarily flexes the big toe (the hallux). Its tendon inserts on the distal phalanx of the hallux, enabling flexion at both the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the first toe. This makes the big toe the main toe that this muscle acts upon, whereas the other toes are mainly flexed by other muscles like the flexor digitorum longus. In addition to this primary action, the muscle assists in plantarflexion of the foot and helps support the medial longitudinal arch.