Quadratus Plantae

Written by Sanya Trikha

Last updated November 6, 2025
12 Revisions

Quadratus Plantae - Podcast Version

TeachMeAnatomy

0:00 / 0:00

The quadratus plantae is an intrinsic muscle of the foot. It is located within the second plantar muscle layer of the foot, and is a square-shaped muscle with two heads of origin.

  • Attachments: Originates from the medial and lateral plantar surface of the calcaneus. It attaches to the tendons of flexor digitorum longus.
  • Actions: Assists the flexor digitorum longus in flexion of the lateral four toes.
  • Innervation: Lateral plantar nerve (branch of the tibial nerve)
  • Blood Supply: Medial and lateral plantar arteries.
Illustration of the second layer of the plantar muscles, highlighting the quadratus plantae and lumbricals in the human foot.

Fig 1
The second layer of the plantar muscles.

Pro Feature - 3D Model