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Home › Body Atlas › Muscles › Adductor Hallucis Transverse Head Detail
Muscle Foot & Ankle

Adductor Hallucis Transverse Head Detail

caput transversum m. adductoris hallucis detail

The transverse head of adductor hallucis originates from the plantar plate and deep transverse metatarsal ligament rather than the metatarsal shafts, providing transverse arch compression across all five metatarsal heads.

An expanded entry for Adductor Hallucis Transverse Head.

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

OriginPlantar MTP ligaments of the third, fourth, and fifth toes and the deep transverse metatarsal ligament
InsertionLateral base of the hallux proximal phalanx via the lateral sesamoid
Nerve SupplyDeep branch of lateral plantar nerve (S2, S3)
Blood SupplyPlantar metatarsal arteries
Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Actions
  • Adducts the hallux, transverse component
  • Supports the transverse metatarsal arch
  • Maintains metatarsal head alignment

It draws the big toe toward the second toe and helps support the transverse arch.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Transverse head contracture contributes to lesser toe MTP subluxation in rheumatoid forefoot deformity. Its release during forefoot arthroplasty is required for MTP joint correction. Metatarsalgia from transverse head spasm responds to targeted plantar injection.

Palpation

Not directly palpable, accessed in the intermetatarsal spaces from the plantar surface.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Transverse Adductor Head Contracture in Rheumatoid Forefoot

Transverse head adductor hallucis contracture contributing to lesser MTP subluxation and hallux valgus in rheumatoid arthritis, addressed during forefoot reconstruction surgery.

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