The spelling of the word "Musculus Abductor Hallucis" may seem daunting, but with the help of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription, it becomes easier to understand. "Musculus" is pronounced as "MUS-kyoo-luhs" with the stress on the first syllable. "Abductor" is pronounced as "ab-DUHK-tuhr" with the stress on the second syllable. "Hallucis" is pronounced as "huh-LUH-suhs" with the stress on the second syllable. This term refers to the muscle responsible for the abduction of the big toe, an important anatomical feature for maintaining balance and stability while walking or standing.
The term "musculus abductor hallucis" refers to a specific muscle located in the human body. "Musculus" is a Latin word which means "muscle," while "abductor" comes from the Latin verb "abducere" meaning "to lead away." "Hallucis" is derived from the Latin word "hallux" which refers to the big toe. Together, "musculus abductor hallucis" translates to the "muscle that leads away the big toe."
The musculus abductor hallucis is a skeletal muscle situated in the foot, particularly in the medial aspect. This muscle is responsible for abducting the big toe, which means it moves the toe away from the other toes towards the midline of the foot. Its primary function is to assist in balancing and maintaining proper foot alignment during walking, running, and other weight-bearing activities.
The musculus abductor hallucis originates from the medial calcaneal tubercle, a bony prominence on the calcaneus or heel bone. From there, it inserts into the proximal phalanx of the big toe. This muscle is innervated by the medial plantar nerve, a branch of the tibial nerve, which is responsible for supplying sensation to the sole of the foot.
Injuries or imbalances in the musculus abductor hallucis can result in various foot conditions and pathologies such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and sesamoiditis. Rehabilitation exercises, stretching, and proper footwear support are common treatment approaches to address issues related to the musculus abductor hallucis.
Origin, inner tubercle of os calcis, internal annular ligament, and plantar fascia; insertion, inner side of 1st phalanx of great toe; nerve supply, internal plantar; action, abduction of great toe.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.