Distal phalanx of fourth toe: anatomy, location and function

What it is

The small end bone of the fourth toe (fourth digit of the foot).

Location

Articulates with the middle phalanx and supports the toenail.

Function

Supports the toe tip; flexor digitorum longus inserts on its base to flex the toe.

Body system

Skeletal · paired (left and right)

FMA ID

FMA32657 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• The lateral slips of the extensor expansion (from extensor digitorum longus) insert on the dorsal side of its base.
• Its tip carries the ungual tuberosity, which supports the toenail bed.
• Its plantar skin is split: the medial half is supplied by the medial plantar nerve and the lateral half by the lateral plantar nerve.

The nearest named structures in the 3D model, measured from the centre of each part:

• Middle phalanx of fourth toe · skeletal
• Middle phalanx of third toe · skeletal
• Distal phalanx of third toe · skeletal
• Distal phalanx of little toe · skeletal
• Middle phalanx of little toe · skeletal
• Proximal phalanx of third toe · skeletal
• Proximal phalanx of fourth toe · skeletal
• Middle phalanx of second toe · skeletal
• Distal phalanx of second toe · skeletal
• Proximal phalanx of second toe · skeletal