Which muscle extends the toes 2 through 5?

• A. Gracilis
• B. Gastrocnemius
• C. Extensor Digitorum Longus
• D. Fibularis Longus

Answer: (C)

Extending the toes 2 through 5 is done by a muscle in the front part of the leg whose tendons reach the dorsal surfaces of the toes. The Extensor Digitorum Longus originates in the lower leg and its tendons split to insert into the extensor expansions of the second through fifth toes, allowing the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of those toes to straighten. It also helps lift the foot upward (dorsiflexion) as you walk. The other muscles listed don’t perform this toe extension: Gracilis is a thigh adductor, Gastrocnemius mainly plantarflexes the foot and flexes the knee, and Fibularis Longus primarily everts and plantarflexes the foot. So Extensor Digitorum Longus is the correct choice for extending toes 2–5.