Intermediate Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis Quiz

Q1. Which structure provides an important proximal attachment for flexor digiti minimi brevis in addition to the fifth metatarsal?

• Tibialis anterior retinaculum
• Calcaneal tendon
• Fibularis longus tendon sheath
• Extensor hallucis longus tendon

Q2. Which branch of the lateral plantar nerve most directly supplies flexor digiti minimi brevis?

• Recurrent fibular branch
• Superficial branch
• Deep branch only
• Medial calcaneal branch

Q3. Which arterial system supplies the lateral plantar region containing flexor digiti minimi brevis?

• Descending genicular artery
• Superior gluteal artery
• Lateral plantar artery
• Anterior tibial recurrent artery

Q4. How does flexor digiti minimi brevis relate to the fifth metatarsal?

• It passes along the dorsal first metatarsal
• It lies within the fifth metatarsal
• It runs along the plantar aspect of the fifth metatarsal
• It crosses behind the medial malleolus

Q5. Why does flexor digiti minimi brevis mainly flex the fifth metatarsophalangeal joint rather than the interphalangeal joints?

• It inserts on the distal phalanx
• It inserts into the calcaneus
• It does not cross any joint
• Its tendon inserts on the proximal phalanx

Q6. How is flexor digiti minimi brevis positioned relative to abductor digiti minimi?

• It lies superficial to the plantar aponeurosis
• It lies deeper than abductor digiti minimi
• It lies in the posterior leg
• It lies entirely dorsal to the metatarsals

Q7. Which other muscle is classically included in the same plantar layer as flexor digiti minimi brevis?

• Quadratus plantae
• Flexor digitorum brevis
• Extensor digitorum brevis
• Flexor hallucis brevis

Q8. What is the relationship of flexor digiti minimi brevis to the plantar aponeurosis?

• It forms the plantar aponeurosis
• It lies deep to the plantar aponeurosis
• It passes through the extensor retinaculum
• It lies superficial to the skin

Q9. Which nerve is the parent nerve of the lateral plantar nerve that supplies this muscle?

• Femoral nerve
• Obturator nerve
• Tibial nerve
• Common fibular nerve

Q10. What functional role can flexor digiti minimi brevis have during weight bearing?

• Primary dorsiflexion of the ankle
• Locking of the proximal tibiofibular joint
• Dynamic stabilization of the lateral forefoot
• Primary extension of the knee