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Abductor Digiti Minimi of the Foot

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Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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Last updated:

13/10/2025
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Della Barnes, MS Anatomy
UX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

What is the Abductor Digiti Minimi

The abductor digiti minimi, or abductor digiti minimi pedis, is a small intrinsic muscle located along the lateral side of the foot. It belongs to the first layer of plantar muscles, along with the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis muscles.

It helps with the movements of the little toe and also plays a role in stabilizing the foot during walking and standing.

Anatomy

Location and Attachments

OriginLateral and medial processes of the calcaneal tuberosity, and the plantar aponeurosis
InsertionProximal phalangeal base of the 5th or little toe

Origin

The abductor digiti minimi originates from a broad area on the calcaneus. It arises mainly from the lateral process of the calcaneal tuberosity, extending forward to include part of the medial process and the region between the two. Additional fibers originate from the plantar aponeurosis, the thick fibrous layer that forms the sole of the foot, as well as from adjacent intermuscular septa.

Insertion

The muscle fibers pass forward along the lateral side of the foot, with the muscle belly narrowing down to form a tendon that inserts into the lateral side of the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth toe.

Occasionally, fibers that run between the lateral process of the calcaneal tuberosity and the base of the fifth proximal phalanx are described as a separate part, known as the abductor ossis metatarsi digiti quinti.

Relations With Surrounding Muscles and Structures

It is the most lateral muscle of the first or superficial layer, lying deep only to the lateral part of the plantar aponeurosis. Medially, it is related to the flexor digiti minimi brevis, the lateral plantar vessels, and the lateral plantar nerve. Deep to it lie the quadratus plantae from the second layer and the flexor digiti minimi brevis from the third layer of plantar muscles.

Function

ActionAbduction and flexion of the little toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint

The abductor digiti minimi is the primary muscle responsible for abducting the fifth (little) toe at its metatarsophalangeal joint, meaning it moves the toe away from the fourth toe. 

Despite its name, it is also a strong flexor of the little toe, helping with curling it toward the sole.

Being the most lateral and superficial muscle of the foot, it plays a key role in maintaining the lateral longitudinal arch, thereby helping to stabilize the foot during standing and dynamic activities such as walking, jumping, and running. This action is analogous to that of the abductor hallucis on the medial side, which supports the medial longitudinal arch.

The abductor digiti minimi of the foot is analogous to the abductor digiti minimi of the hand, which serves as the primary muscle responsible for abducting the little finger at the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Antagonists

The flexor digiti minimi brevis acts as the primary antagonist of the abductor digiti minimi during adduction of the little toe, since its action moves the toe medially, away from the fourth toe, opposite to abduction. However, both muscles work in synergy during flexion of the little toe at the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Innervation

NerveLateral plantar nerve (S1-S3)

The muscle is innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, one of the two terminal branches of the tibial nerve, derived from the first to third sacral nerve roots (S1-S3).

Blood Supply

ArteryLateral plantar artery

The muscle receives its primary blood supply from the lateral plantar artery. Additional blood supply comes from the plantar metatarsal and plantar digital arteries to the fifth toe.

References

  1. Abductor Digiti Minimi (Foot): TeachMeAnatomy.info
  2. Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle of Foot: Kenhub.com
  3. Abductor Digiti Minimi of Foot: Elsevier.com
  4. Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle (Foot): Radiopaedia.org
  5. Abductor Digiti Minimi of Foot: IMAIOS.com
Avatar photo
Della Barnes, MS AnatomyUX/UI Designer at - Adobe

Della Barnes, an MS Anatomy graduate, blends medical research with accessible writing, simplifying complex anatomy for a better understanding and appreciation of human anatomy.

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