There are 29 muscles associated with the human foot. (10 foot/ankle and 19 intrinsic) Ten of these muscles originate outside of the foot itself but cross the ankle joint to act on the ankle joint and help position the foot.  The other 19 muscles are referred to as intrinsic muscles of the foot and act only within the foot. The muscles covered in this article serve various roles in gait as well as posture. These muscles are also aided by the plantar fascia, managing the mechanical vectors of the foot. The muscles of the foot influence the posture and the shape of the foot, as well as providing the ability to transmit muscle tension not only towards the ground but also towards the whole body system.