Dorsal Interossei Muscles: Key Players in Foot Movement and Circulation
The dorsal interossei muscles, four in number, play a crucial role in foot movement and circulation. They originate from the metatarsal shafts and insert into bones near the ankle and between the bases of the first sets of bones in the toes.
These muscles are bi-penniform, attached in two places. They pull the second, third, and fourth toes away from the axis of the second toe, aiding in toe separation and grip. The dorsal artery, a branch of the anterior tibial artery, supplies blood to these muscles. Its pulsations are used to assess peripheral circulation in the foot.
In terms of control, the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve governs the movement of the dorsal interossei muscles. Meanwhile, the neuron that sends signals from the brain to these muscles is an upper motor neuron located in the primary motor cortex. They also collaborate with the lumbricals to extend the joints in the toes during flexion of the metatarsal phalangeal joints.
The dorsal interossei muscles, with their unique structure and function, are vital for foot movement, grip, and circulation. Their proper functioning is essential for overall foot health and mobility.
