Plantar Metatarsophalangeal Ligaments
Ligamenta metatarsophalangea plantaria
Read moreStructure
The plantar metatarsophalangeal ligaments are thick, dense, fibrocartilaginous bands, or plates, found on the plantar surface of the metatarsophalangeal joints. They attach relatively loosely to the metatarsals and firmly to the bases of the phalanges.
Anatomical Relations
The plantar metatarsophalangeal ligaments blend with the collateral ligaments of the metatarsophalangeal joints and with the deep transverse metatarsal ligament.
The plantar surfaces of the plantar ligaments have deep longitudinal grooves, which receive the tendons of the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus muscles. The tendinous sheaths through which the tendons pass are attached to the edges of these grooves.
Function
The plantar metatarsophalangeal ligaments help increase the articulation area for the bases of the phalanges with the heads of the metatarsals. They also reinforce the articular capsule surrounding the metatarsophalangeal joints.
