Oblique Head of Adductor Hallucis (Caput obliquum musculi adductoris hallucis)

Anatomy

The larger of the two heads of adductor hallucis, lying in the third layer of the sole along the second and third metatarsals. It converges with the transverse head on the lateral sesamoid of the great toe and is the principal adductor — and pronator — of the great toe. It arises partly from the sheath of the peroneus longus, tying it to that tendon's pull.

Origin & insertion

From the bases of the second to fourth metatarsals and the sheath of the peroneus (fibularis) longus, to the lateral base of the proximal phalanx of the great toe with the lateral sesamoid.

Action

Adducts the great toe toward the second toe and flexes its metatarsophalangeal joint; steadies the lateral sesamoid at push-off.

Innervation

Deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve (S1–S2).

Clinical notes

In hallux valgus the oblique head becomes a deforming force once the first ray drifts, pulling the toe further into abduction and pronation; its transfer or release is a standard step in bunion correction, and its attachment marks the lateral sesamoid on the radiograph.

Related structures

• Second metatarsal (right)
• Third metatarsal (right)
• proximal phalanx of the big toe (right)

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