The feet and toes are essential elements in body movement. They bear and propel the weight of the body during walking and running, and help to maintain balance during changes of body position. The foot can adapt itself to different surfaces and absorb mechanical |shocks| as well. Each foot has about thirty-three muscles, some of which are attached to the lower leg. There are four plantar (sole) muscle layers. The first layer includes the adductor hallucis, the |flexor digitorum brevis|, and the |abductor digiti minimi|. The second layer consists of the |lumbricals|, and the third layer includes the flexor hallucis brevis, the adductor hallucis, and the |flexor digiti minimi brevis|. The fourth layer is composed of the interossei muscles.
