Adductor hallucis

The adductor hallucis (Latin: musculus adductor hallucis) is a deep two-headed muscle of the foot located more in the central aspect of the plantar side. Despite its location, the adductor hallucis belongs to the medial plantar foot muscle group and aids in the adduction of the hallux. The adductor hallucis is formed by two heads - oblique and transverse.

Origin

Both muscle heads arise from different sites. The oblique head of the adductor hallucis muscle originates from the cuboid bone, lateral cuneiform bone, bases of the second to fourth metatarsal bones and from the tendon of the peroneus (fibularis) longus muscle. The transverse head of the muscle arises from the plantar metatarsophalangeal ligaments of the third to fifth toes and deep transverse metatarsal ligaments of the third to fifth toes.

Insertion

The adductor hallucis inserts on the lateral aspect of the base of the proximal phalanx of the hallux.

Action

The adductor hallucis muscle provides the adduction and flexion of the hallux at the first metatarsophalangeal joint. Also, it supports the transverse arch of the foot.

Innervation

Both heads of the adductor hallucis are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve (S2 - S3) - one of the terminal branches of the tibial nerve.

Blood supply

The adductor hallucis muscle receives arterial blood supply from the branches of the posterior tibial artery, mainly from the lateral plantar artery.