On the lateral side of the anterior compartment, find the two muscles of the lateral compartment. Remember that prior to the dissection, the anterior and lateral groups are separated by a deep fascial intermuscular septum.

First identify the more superficial peroneus longus . You can remember this muscle by its long tendon. If you follow the tendon toward its distal attachment posterior to the lateral malleolus, you will find the tendon disappears under the lateral side of the foot, coursing deep and medial. As it turns out, the peroneus longus runs under the sole of the foot to insert on the 1st metatarsal. In doing so, this muscle plays a role in arch maintenance.

Deep to the peroneus longus, find the peroneus brevis . This muscle also runs posterior to the lateral malleolus, but as you can see, it inserts on the fifth metatarsal. By virtue of their course posterior to the lateral malleolus, and their distal attachment on the inferior surface of the foot, both of these muscles are evertors and plantar flexors.

In between the two peroneal muscles, locate their motor nerve supply, the superficial peroneal nerve. Follow this nerve distally onto the dorsum of the foot where it has a sensory function only.