Extensor Hallucis Longus Flashcards

Review extensor hallucis longus anatomy, including its fibular origin, tendon course, deep fibular nerve supply, actions, and clinical relevance.

Card 1 of 25Question

Which compartment of the leg contains the extensor hallucis longus?

The anterior compartment of the leg.

In This Section

1. Which compartment of the leg contains the extensor hallucis longus?

The anterior compartment of the leg.

2. Is the extensor hallucis longus an intrinsic or extrinsic muscle of the foot?

An extrinsic muscle of the foot.

3. What is the primary bony origin of the extensor hallucis longus?

The middle portion of the anterior surface of the fibula.

4. Which fibrous structure provides an additional origin for the extensor hallucis longus?

The adjacent interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula.

5. Where does the extensor hallucis longus insert?

The dorsal surface of the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe.

6. What is the primary action of the extensor hallucis longus?

Extension of the great toe.

7. Which interphalangeal joint is extended by the extensor hallucis longus?

The interphalangeal joint of the great toe.

8. Which joint at the base of the great toe can also be extended by the extensor hallucis longus?

The first metatarsophalangeal joint.

9. What action does the extensor hallucis longus assist at the ankle joint?

Dorsiflexion of the foot.

10. Which nerve innervates the extensor hallucis longus?

The deep fibular nerve, also called the deep peroneal nerve.

11. Which spinal nerve root is primarily associated with extensor hallucis longus motor function?

L5.

12. Which major peripheral nerve gives rise to the deep fibular nerve?

The common fibular nerve.

13. Which artery primarily supplies the extensor hallucis longus?

The anterior tibial artery.

14. Which veins primarily drain the extensor hallucis longus?

The anterior tibial veins.

15. Which two muscles lie on either side of the extensor hallucis longus in the distal anterior leg?

Tibialis anterior medially and extensor digitorum longus laterally.

16. What is the position of the extensor hallucis longus relative to tibialis anterior in the proximal leg?

It lies deeper and more laterally than tibialis anterior.

17. Beneath which retinacula does the extensor hallucis longus tendon pass at the ankle?

The superior and inferior extensor retinacula.

18. Where does the extensor hallucis longus tendon travel across the dorsum of the foot?

Along the dorsal aspect of the first ray toward the distal phalanx of the great toe.

19. What is the relationship of the dorsalis pedis artery to the extensor hallucis longus tendon?

The artery usually lies immediately lateral to the tendon on the dorsum of the foot.

20. Which clinical maneuver is commonly used to test extensor hallucis longus strength?

Resisted extension of the great toe, particularly its distal phalanx.

21. Why is extensor hallucis longus strength commonly assessed during an L5 neurological examination?

Great toe extension is a useful motor function for evaluating the L5 myotome.

22. What motor deficit may occur following injury to the deep fibular nerve?

Weakness or loss of active great toe extension.

23. What functional problem may result from severe extensor hallucis longus weakness during walking?

Difficulty lifting the great toe during the swing phase of gait.

24. What is the key functional difference between extensor hallucis longus and extensor hallucis brevis?

The longus extends both great toe joints, while the brevis primarily extends the metatarsophalangeal joint.

25. Which tendon injury can prevent active extension of the distal phalanx of the great toe?

A complete rupture or laceration of the extensor hallucis longus tendon.