Which muscle dorsiflexes the first ray prior to contact phase?

• A. Extensor hallucis longus
• B. Tibialis anterior
• C. Peroneus longus
• D. Flexor digitorum longus

Answer: (B)

Dorsiflexion of the first ray before contact is produced by the tibialis anterior. This muscle runs from the tibia to the base of the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform, so when it contracts it not only dorsiflexes the ankle but also lifts the head of the first metatarsal, effectively dorsiflexing the first ray. This action helps position the forefoot for loading as the foot prepares for heel strike.

Extensor hallucis longus mainly extends the big toe and assists with ankle dorsiflexion, but its tendon inserts on the distal phalanx of the great toe rather than the first metatarsal, so its effect on the first ray is not the primary dorsiflexion driver. Peroneus longus plantarflexes the first ray (opposite of dorsiflexion) via its insertion on the base of the first metatarsal, and flexor digitorum longus primarily plantarflexes the toes and the foot, not the first ray.