In which layer is the adductor hallucis located?

In which layer is the adductor hallucis located?

• A. 3rd layer
• B. 4th layer
• C. 2nd layer
• D. 1st layer

Answer: (A)

The plantar aspect of the foot has four layers of intrinsic muscles, and the adductor hallucis sits in the third layer. In that layer you find muscles like the flexor hallucis brevis, the adductor hallucis (with its oblique and transverse heads), and the flexor digiti minimi brevis. The adductor hallucis helps adduct the big toe and supports the transverse arch of the foot. The first layer is where the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and abductor digiti minimi live; the second layer contains the quadratus plantae and the lumbricals; the fourth layer houses the interossei and the tendons that cross from the deep muscles. That placement is what makes the third layer the correct location for the adductor hallucis.

The plantar aspect of the foot has four layers of intrinsic muscles, and the adductor hallucis sits in the third layer. In that layer you find muscles like the flexor hallucis brevis, the adductor hallucis (with its oblique and transverse heads), and the flexor digiti minimi brevis. The adductor hallucis helps adduct the big toe and supports the transverse arch of the foot. The first layer is where the abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, and abductor digiti minimi live; the second layer contains the quadratus plantae and the lumbricals; the fourth layer houses the interossei and the tendons that cross from the deep muscles. That placement is what makes the third layer the correct location for the adductor hallucis.