What muscle is responsible for moving the little toe?

The muscle that is responsible for moving the little toe is the abductor digiti minimi. This muscle primarily functions to abduct the little toe away from the other toes, allowing for lateral movement. It also assists in flexing the little toe at its proximal phalanx, providing not only movement but also stability during activities like walking or balancing.

While flexor digiti minimi does contribute to the flexion of the little toe, it does not play a significant role in abduction, which is crucial for lateral movement. In contrast, flexor digitorum brevis is responsible for flexing the middle four toes but does not specifically target the little toe. Abductor hallucis is primarily involved in abducting the big toe and does not have an impact on the little toe’s movement.