The word "musculus flexor longus digitorum" is a mouthful to say, let alone spell. The first part, "musculus," is pronounced /ˈmʌskjʊləs/ and refers to a muscle. The second section, "flexor," is pronounced /‘flɛksər/ and refers to an anatomical term for bending a joint. The third portion, "longus," is pronounced /ˈlɒŋɡəs/ and refers to something that is long. Lastly, "digitorum" is pronounced /dɪˈdʒɪtərəm/ and refers to fingers or toes. Altogether, this word describes a muscle that bends the long fingers or toes.
The term "musculus flexor longus digitorum" refers to a specific muscle located in the human body. It is commonly known as the flexor digitorum longus muscle. This muscle is found in the lower leg, specifically in the posterior compartment. It originates from the posterior surface of the tibia bone, more specifically from the midline posterior border called the fibrous septa.
The function of the musculus flexor longus digitorum is to flex the four smaller toes (digits two to five) at the distal interphalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints. This muscle allows for movements such as curling the toes downward and gripping various surfaces.
In terms of its anatomical characteristics, the musculus flexor longus digitorum has a long tendon that travels through the plantar aspect of the foot. The tendon splits into four branches at the level of the metatarsophalangeal joints and inserts on the sides of the respective phalanges of digits two to five.
In summary, the musculus flexor longus digitorum is a muscle located in the lower leg responsible for flexing the four smaller toes. It originates from the tibia and inserts onto the phalanges of these toes.
M. flexor digitorum longus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.