Dorsal interossei (of foot)

  • The dorsal interossei of the foot (also dorsal interossei muscles of foot, latin: musculi interossei dorsales pedis) are four muscles located in the sole of the foot between the metatarsal bones.


    The dorsal interossei muscles originate with two heads from opposing surfaces of adjacent metatarsal bones.


    The dorsal interossei insert at the proximal phalanges of the second, third and fourth digits of the foot.


    The main function of the dorsal interossei muscles is to abduct the digits of the foot.


    The dorsal interossei of the foot are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, a terminal branch of the tibial nerve.