Musculus extensor digitorum brevis is a term used in anatomy to describe a tiny muscle located in the foot. The spelling of this term can be challenging due to its long, technical nature. Using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can help provide a more precise spelling of the word. In IPA, musculus extensor digitorum brevis is pronounced [ˈmʊskjulus ɪkˈstɛnsɔr ˈdɪdʒɪtɔrəm ˈbrɛvɪs]. This phonetic transcription helps to break down the word into its individual sounds and makes it easier to understand and spell correctly.
The musculus extensor digitorum brevis is a skeletal muscle located in the foot. It is part of the extensor muscle group and plays a key role in the movement and stabilization of the toes. The term "musculus" refers to a muscle in Latin, while "extensor" indicates its role in extending or straightening a joint or body part. "Digitorum" refers to the fingers or toes, and "brevis" means short.
The extensor digitorum brevis muscle is relatively small and lies on top of the foot. It originates from the calcaneus, or heel bone, and divides into four tendons as it crosses the foot. These tendons then attach to the middle and distal phalanges of the toes. When activated, the musculus extensor digitorum brevis contracts, causing the toes to extend or lift upwards.
This muscle is essential for various movements of the foot, such as extending the toes to help push off the ground during walking or running. It also aids in maintaining balance and stability in the foot by controlling the position of the toes. The musculus extensor digitorum brevis works in coordination with other muscles to ensure proper foot function and to facilitate daily activities that involve the use of the toes, such as climbing, jumping, or driving a pedal-based vehicle.
M. Extensor brevis digitorum; origin, dorsal surface of os calcis (calcaneus); insertion, by four tendons fusing with those of the extensor longus, and by a slip attached independently to the base of the 1st phalanx of the great toe; nerve supply, deep peroneal; action, extends toes.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.