Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle – Attachments, Actions & Innervation

Author: Scott A. Sheffield MS

Last update:

The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) is a muscle in the anterior compartment of the leg. It is responsible for extending the toes and contributes to dorsiflexing the ankle.

image descriptionExtensor Digitorum Longus Muscle

Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle with other attached muscle attach to the skeleton of the lower limb
Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle highlighted with other attached muscle attach to the skeleton of the lower limb
Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle highlighted with other attached muscle attach to the skeleton of the lower limb
Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle Alone attach to the skeleton of the lower limb
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image descriptionAttachments of Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle: Origin & Insertion

Origin: (proximal attachments)
Lateral condyle of tibia & superior 3/4 of anterior surface of fibula; interosseous margin.

Insertion: (distal attachments)
Middle & distal phalanges of digits 2-5.

Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle highlighted with other attached muscle attach to the skeleton of the lower limb
Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle highlighted with other attached muscle attach to the skeleton of the lower limb
The origin and insertion of the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle with the skeleton of the lower limb
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Actions of Extensor Digitorum Longus on the foot:

a. image descriptionExtends toes 2-5.

Need some extra support learning the leg muscles? Check out these quizzes and diagram labelling quizzes.

b. image descriptionDorsiflexes foot at ankle.

Nerve to Muscle and its Spinal Segment:

Deep peroneal nerve (L4, L5, S1).

Overview:

Muscles That Act On Foot & Ankle (From Ant. Leg Comp.)

Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle - Test yourself
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Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle - Test yourself 16
Test yourself while observing the Extensor Digitorum Longus Muscle
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