Middle phalanx of little toe: anatomy, location and function

What it is

The middle phalanx of the little toe (fifth digit of the foot).

Location

Lies between the proximal and distal phalanges at the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints.

Function

Allows toe flexion; flexor digitorum brevis inserts on its sides. In the little toe it is often short and sometimes fused with the distal phalanx.

Body system

Skeletal · paired (left and right)

FMA ID

FMA230988 (Foundational Model of Anatomy)

Key facts

• The middle slip of the extensor expansion inserts on its dorsal base, opposing flexor digitorum brevis.
• Its plantar skin is supplied by the lateral plantar nerve, and the skin on its lateral side by the sural nerve.
• In many people it is fused with the distal phalanx, so the little toe has only two separate phalanges.

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

• Distal phalanx of little toe · skeletal
• Proximal phalanx of little toe · skeletal
• Proximal phalanx of fourth toe · skeletal
• Middle phalanx of fourth toe · skeletal
• Distal phalanx of fourth toe · skeletal
• Proximal phalanx of third toe · skeletal
• Middle phalanx of third toe · skeletal
• Distal phalanx of third toe · skeletal
• Transverse head of adductor hallucis · muscular
• Proximal phalanx of second toe · skeletal