What nerve innervates the extensor hallucis longus?

What nerve innervates the extensor hallucis longus?

• A. Tibial nerve
• B. Superficial fibular nerve
• C. Common fibular nerve
• D. Deep fibular nerve

Answer: (D)

The extensor hallucis longus is in the anterior compartment of the leg, so its motor innervation comes from the deep fibular nerve. This nerve supplies the muscles that dorsiflex the foot and extend the toes, including the extensor hallucis longus, and it even provides sensation in the web space between the first two toes. It is a branch of the common fibular nerve, differentiating from the tibial nerve (posterior compartment) and the superficial fibular nerve (lateral compartment and most of the dorsum of the foot).

The extensor hallucis longus is in the anterior compartment of the leg, so its motor innervation comes from the deep fibular nerve. This nerve supplies the muscles that dorsiflex the foot and extend the toes, including the extensor hallucis longus, and it even provides sensation in the web space between the first two toes. It is a branch of the common fibular nerve, differentiating from the tibial nerve (posterior compartment) and the superficial fibular nerve (lateral compartment and most of the dorsum of the foot).