Which muscle extends the toes (digits 2-5)?

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

Answer: (A)

Toe extension is carried out by muscles in the front of the leg whose tendons reach the toes. The muscle that extends digits 2–5 is the extensor digitorum longus. Its tendons run to the dorsal surfaces of the toes and insert into the extensor expansions, allowing the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of digits 2–5 to straighten when it contracts. It also helps lift the front of the foot (dorsiflexion).

The other muscles listed don’t perform this action: graciosis is a thigh muscle that flexes and adducts the hip; gastrocnemius is a calf muscle that plantarflexes the foot and flexes the knee; fibularis longus runs along the lateral leg, everts the foot, and helps plantarflex the ankle.