What muscle is responsible for moving the big toe and helps with balance while standing and walking?

The muscle responsible for moving the big toe and assisting with balance while standing and walking is the abductor hallucis. This muscle plays a crucial role in the abduction and flexion of the big toe, which is essential for proper foot function and balance. When the big toe moves correctly, it contributes to maintaining stability during various activities, such as standing, walking, and running.

The abductor hallucis is particularly important in providing support for the arch of the foot and helps manage the weight distribution during movement. Proper function of this muscle is not only necessary for mobility but is also vital in preventing falls and ensuring effective movement patterns, especially in activities that require precise foot coordination.

In contrast, while the other muscles listed may play roles in foot and ankle movement, they do not specifically target the big toe in the same way or provide the same level of assistance in balance as the abductor hallucis does.