key term - Flexor hallucis longus

Definition

The Flexor Hallucis Longus is a muscle located in the lower leg that plays a crucial role in flexing the big toe and assisting with plantar flexion of the foot. It originates in the fibula and inserts into the base of the distal phalanx of the big toe.

Related terms

Plantar Flexion: The movement that decreases the angle between the sole of the foot and the back of the leg, as when pointing the toes.

Distal Phalanx: The bone at the tip of a toe or finger, which is moved by various muscles including the Flexor Hallucis Longus in case of the big toe.

Fibula:

A long, thin bone on the outer side of the lower leg, serving as one of two points where muscles such as Flexor Hallucis Longus originate