Articular capsule of interphalangeal joint of great toe
Capsula articularis articulationis interphalangeae hallucis
The fibrous and synovial sleeve enclosing the single hinge joint between the proximal and distal phalanges of the great toe.
At a glance
- English
- Articular capsule of interphalangeal joint of great toe
- Latin (TA2)
- Capsula articularis articulationis interphalangeae hallucis
- System
- Joint
- Region
- Foot
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the articular capsule of interphalangeal joint of great toe
The great toe has only two phalanges, so it has a single interphalangeal joint, between the head of the proximal phalanx and the base of the distal phalanx. It is a hinge joint, and its capsule is a sleeve of fibrous tissue lined by synovial membrane that wraps the joint and attaches to both bones close to the margins of their articular surfaces.
The capsule is thin on its back, where it blends with the expansion of the tendon of extensor hallucis longus, which inserts on the base of the distal phalanx. On each side it is thickened by a collateral ligament running from the head of the proximal phalanx to the side of the distal phalanx. On the sole it is reinforced by a dense fibrocartilaginous plantar plate, grooved by the tendon of flexor hallucis longus on its way to the distal phalanx. A small sesamoid bone is sometimes found in this plantar part.
The joint allows only bending and straightening of the tip of the toe, with extension limited. The collateral ligaments and plantar plate keep it stable when the toe pushes off in walking. The joint can be injured by stubbing, and the capsule thickens in osteoarthritis. When the distal phalanx angles outwards on the proximal one, the deformity is called hallux valgus interphalangeus, distinct from the commoner bunion at the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Attachments and function
- Formed by
- Margins of the articular surface of the head of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.
- Joins
- Margins of the articular surface of the base of the distal phalanx of the great toe.
- Movements
- Encloses and stabilises the hinge joint, allowing flexion and limited extension of the tip of the great toe.
- Nerve supply
- Digital branches of the medial plantar nerve on the sole and of the deep and superficial fibular nerves on the dorsum.
- Blood supply
- Dorsal and plantar digital arteries of the great toe.
Anthromica
See the articular capsule of interphalangeal joint of great toe where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
