Articular capsules of distal interphalangeal joints of foot
Capsulae articulares articulationum interphalangearum distalium pedis
The capsules enclosing the hinge joints between the middle and distal phalanges of the second to fifth toes.
At a glance
- English
- Articular capsules of distal interphalangeal joints of foot
- Latin (TA2)
- Capsulae articulares articulationum interphalangearum distalium pedis
- System
- Joint
- Region
- Foot
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the articular capsules of distal interphalangeal joints of foot
Each of the lesser toes has three phalanges and therefore two interphalangeal joints. The distal interphalangeal joint lies between the head of the middle phalanx and the base of the distal phalanx. It is a small hinge joint, and its capsule is a fibrous sleeve lined with synovial membrane attached around the edges of the two articular surfaces.
The capsule follows the same plan in each toe. On the dorsum it is thin and is replaced in part by the expansion of the long and short extensor tendons, which end on the base of the distal phalanx. At each side a collateral ligament strengthens it. On the plantar side it is thickened into a plantar ligament, or plate, over which the tendon of flexor digitorum longus passes to its insertion on the distal phalanx. In the little toe the middle and distal phalanges are often fused, so this joint may be absent there.
The joints allow only flexion and extension of the toe tips, and the range is small. They are the site of mallet toe, a fixed bending of the distal joint in which the tip presses into the ground and a corn may form over it or under the nail. Mallet toe often follows tight footwear and imbalance between the long flexor and extensor tendons. Osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis can also affect these joints and thicken their capsules.
Attachments and function
- Formed by
- Margins of the articular surfaces of the heads of the middle phalanges of the second to fifth toes.
- Joins
- Margins of the articular surfaces of the bases of the corresponding distal phalanges.
- Movements
- Enclose and stabilise the hinge joints of the toe tips, allowing small amounts of flexion and extension.
- Nerve supply
- Plantar and dorsal digital nerves of the toes.
- Blood supply
- Plantar and dorsal digital arteries of the toes.
Anthromica
See the articular capsules of distal interphalangeal joints of foot 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.
