Flexor digitorum longus

Definition

The flexor digitorum longus is a muscle located in the lower leg that functions to flex the toes and help stabilize the arch of the foot. It runs from the back of the tibia, down the leg, and attaches to the bottom of the toes.

Related terms

Tendons:

Fibrous connective tissues that attach muscles to bones, allowing for movement at joints.

Tibia:

The larger and stronger of the two bones in the lower leg, serving as an important structure for muscle attachment including the flexor digitorum longus.

Plantarflexion:

A movement where the toes are pointed down away from the shin, facilitated by muscles including the flexor digitorum longus