Abductor digiti minimi (foot)

Abductor Digiti Minimi (Foot)

The Abductor Digiti Minimi (pronunciation: ab-duktor dij-iti min-imi) is a muscle located in the foot. It is one of the intrinsic muscles of the foot, meaning it is located entirely within the foot and plays a crucial role in its function.

Etymology

The term "Abductor Digiti Minimi" is derived from Latin. "Abductor" means 'to lead away from', "Digiti" refers to 'digit or toe', and "Minimi" means 'smallest'. Thus, the term refers to the muscle that leads the smallest toe away from the center of the body.

Function

The primary function of the Abductor Digiti Minimi is to abduct the little toe, moving it away from the other toes of the foot. This muscle also assists in maintaining balance while standing and walking.

Related Terms

• Abductor Muscles: A group of muscles that serve to draw a part of the body away from the midline.
• Intrinsic Muscles: Muscles whose origins and insertions are both within the structure being acted upon.
• Foot Anatomy: The study of the structure of the foot.

See Also

• Flexor Digiti Minimi Brevis (Foot): A muscle in the foot that flexes the little toe.
• Abductor Digiti Minimi (Hand): A muscle in the hand that moves the little finger away from the other fingers.

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