Dorsal interossei (of foot)

Anatomy

Origin:
Sides of the adjacent metatarsals.

Insertion:
Bases of proximal phalanges of 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes and dorsal expansions of the extensor digitorum longus tendons.

Key relations:
The dorsal interossei lie dorsal to the plantar interossei and together they form the fourth layer of the plantar muscles of the foot.

Also, see view of plantar interossei..

Functions

-Abducts the 2nd, 3rd and 4th toes at the metatarsophalangeal joints.
-Resists extension of the metatarsophalangeal joints.
-Also flexes the interphalangeal joints.

Supply

Nerve supply:
-Lateral plantar division of the tibial nerve (S2, S3)
-Deep fibular (peroneal) nerve (L5, S1)

Blood supply:
–Arcuate artery
-Lateral and medial tarsal arteries.

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