digitorum

Digitorum is a Latin term used in anatomical nomenclature meaning “of the digits,” referring to fingers or toes. It is the genitive form of digitus and is employed in the names of muscles, tendons, and other structures to indicate a relationship with the digits.

In human anatomy, the epithet digitorum appears in several well-known muscle names. Forearm muscles such as extensor digitorum, flexor digitorum superficialis, and flexor digitorum profundus act on the fingers. The extensor digitorum extends the fingers at the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints, while the flexor digitorum superficialis flexes the proximal interphalangeal joints and the flexor digitorum profundus flexes the distal interphalangeal joints. In the foot, extensor digitorum longus and extensor digitorum brevis extend the toes. The tendons of these digitorum muscles contribute to the extensor expansions that enable coordinated extension and flexion of the digits.

The term is used across vertebrate anatomy and in veterinary contexts as well, consistently signaling a relationship to the digits rather than a function unique to a single species. Knowledge of digitorum-related muscles is fundamental in understanding hand and foot movement, tendon anatomy, and related clinical conditions such as tendon injuries or disorders affecting digit mobility.