Which muscles are involved in separating your toes?

The abductor digiti minimi is specifically responsible for separating the toes, particularly the little toe. This muscle originates from the calcaneus bone in the foot and inserts into the base of the proximal phalanx of the fifth toe. Its primary function is to abduct, or move away from the midline of the body, the little toe, allowing for increased range of motion and stability within the foot when standing or performing activities.

In contrast, the flexor digitorum brevis primarily facilitates the flexing of the toes rather than their separation, as it acts on the middle phalanx of the lesser toes. The peroneus longus serves a different role by assisting in the eversion of the foot and supporting the arch, but it does not contribute to toe movement. The gastrocnemius, while a significant muscle in calf movement, primarily aids in plantar flexion of the foot and does not influence the separation of the toes.