The extensor digitorum longus muscle descends to form a tendon, which continues into the dorsal aspect of the foot, where it divides into four tendons, which insert, via dorsal digital expansions, into the dorsal surfaces of the bases of the middle and distal phalanges of the lateral four toes.
The extensor digitorum longus extends the toes and dorsiflexes the foot at the ankle joint, and is innervated by the deep fibular nerve.