Abductor digiti minimi of foot

The abductor digiti minimi (Latin: musculus abductor digiti minimi) is a small muscle of the foot located in its lateral compartment. Together with the opponens digiti minimi and flexor digiti minimi brevis muscles, it belongs to the lateral compartment of the plantar foot muscles. The abductor digiti minimi stretches between the calcaneus, fifth metatarsal bone and proximal phalanx of the little toe.

Origin

The abductor digiti minimi of the foot originates from the medial and lateral processes of the calcaneal tuberosity and plantar aponeurosis.

Insertion

The abductor digiti minimi of the foot inserts on the lateral aspect of the base of the fifth metatarsal bone and proximal phalanx of the fifth toe.

Action

The abductor digiti minimi of the foot provides abduction and flexion of the fifth finger at the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint. Also, it supports the lateral longitudinal arch.

Innervation

The abductor digiti minimi of the foot is innervated by the lateral plantar nerve (S2 - S3) - a terminal branch of the tibial nerve.

Blood supply

The abductor digiti minimi of the foot receives arterial blood supply from the branches of the lateral plantar artery that arises from the posterior tibial artery.