Dorsal surfaces of digits of foot

Facies dorsales digitorum pedis

  • Synonym: Dorsal surfaces of toes
  • Related terms: Dorsal surfaces of toes

Definition

The dorsal surfaces of digits of foot refer to the upper surfaces of the toes, with the toes facing opposite to the ground.

On the dorsal surfaces of digits of foot, there are extensor hoods. These triangular fibrous expansions are formed by the distal tendons of the extensor muscles of the leg and foot, namely the extensor digitorum longus, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum brevis. The extensor hoods attach to the apices of the distal phalanges, midway along the middle phalanges, and wrap around the bases of the proximal phalanges to connect to the deep transverse metatarsal ligaments.

Intrinsic muscles of the foot, including the lumbricals and interossei, attach to the bases of the extensor hoods. The attachment allows for both flexion at the metacarpophalangeal joints and extension of the interphalangeal joints.

The skin on the dorsal surfaces of digits of foot is primarily innervated by the superficial peroneal (fibular) nerve. The first interdigital space receives contribution from the deep peroneal (fibular) nerve, while the lateral half of the fifth toe is innervated by the sural nerve.

Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Drake, R.L., Vogl, A.W. and Mitchell, A.W.M. (2009). ‘Chapter 6: Lower Limb’ in Gray’s anatomy for Students. (2nd ed.) Philadelphia PA 19103-2899: Elsevier, pp.616 & 626-627.


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