: This intrinsic muscle on the top of the foot assists the EDL in extending toes 2, 3, and 4.

The intrinsic muscles (lumbricals and interossei) join these lateral bands, meaning they share the same physical "cable" to pull the DIP joint into extension. Why the EDL is Not Sufficient Alone

: These small intrinsic muscles are essential for balanced toe extension. They flex the MTP joints while extending both the proximal (PIP) and distal (DIP) interphalangeal joints.