Musculus lumbricalis pedia is a Latin term used to describe a muscle in the foot that controls the toes. The pronunciation of this word is /ˈmʌskjʊləs lʌmˈbrɪkəlɪs ˈpiːdiə/. The first part of the word, "musculus," is pronounced as MUHS-kyuh-luhs, while "lumbricalis" is pronounced as luhm-BRIK-uh-lis. Lastly, "pedia" is pronounced as PEE-dee-uh. The correct spelling is important in this case because misspelling the term could lead to confusion in the medical field, potentially resulting in errors and misunderstandings.
Musculus lumbricalis pedia refers to a specific muscle found in the human foot that belongs to the lumbrical muscle group. This muscle is one of the four lumbrical muscles in the foot, and its name is derived from the Latin word "musculus," meaning muscle, and "lumbricalis," referencing its resemblance to an earthworm or lumbricus.
The musculus lumbricalis pedia is a thin, rope-like muscle that originates from the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus muscle, situated on the lower surface of the foot. It runs distally or towards the toes, and it divides into four individual slips. Each slip inserts onto the lateral side of the tendon of the corresponding toe's extensor digitorum longus muscle, which is responsible for extending or straightening the toe.
Functionally, the musculus lumbricalis pedia serves a significant role in foot movement and control. It acts as a flexor of the metatarsophalangeal joints while simultaneously extending the interphalangeal joints, which allows for the curling motion of the toes. This muscle also contributes to maintaining the arches of the foot and assists in weight-bearing during locomotion.
Overall, the musculus lumbricalis pedia plays a crucial part in foot function, providing flexibility, stability, and fine motor control.
Four muscles; origin, 1st from tibial side of tendon to 2d toe of flexor digitorum longus, 2d, 3d, and 4th from adjacent sides of all four tendons of this muscle; insertion, bases of 1st phalanx of the four outer toes in the same way as the lumbricales of the hand; nerve supply, external and internal plantar; action, flex the 1st and extend the 2d and 3d phalanges.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.