Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle
Extensor digitorum longus is the lateral most muscle of the anterior compartment of the leg. It has pronounced tendons that are covered by a synovial sheath and attach to toes of feet. Each tendon of the extensor digitorum longus forms extensor expansion, which is the membranous dorsal aponeurosis over the dorsum of the toes’ phalanx. This aponeurosis splits into the one central and two lateral bands, central attaching to middle phalanx and lateral bands to the distal phalanx.
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Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle
ORIGIN AND INSERTION
EDL arises from upper medial surface of fibula, lateral condyle of tibia and interosseous membrane and inserts into the distal and middle phalanges of four toes. The muscle converts into tendons above the level of ankle and these tendons traverse the foot to reach the digits.
NERVE SUPPLY
Extensor digitorum longus is innervated by the deep fibular nerve (L4, L5), a branch of common fibular nerve.
BLOOD SUPPLY
The blood supply of extensor digitorum longus is provided by the anterior tibial artery, a branch of the popliteal artery.
FUNCTIONS
The functions of EDL include the extension of lateral four toes and dorsiflexion of ankle. It is tested by dorsiflexion of lateral four toes and if its functions are intact, tendons can observed and palpated.
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