Final answer:
The intrinsic muscles of the foot are crucial for the support and motion of the foot, with quadratus plantae being an intrinsic muscle part of the plantar group. Gastrocnemius, soleus, and flexor hallucis longus are involved in plantar flexion but are not intrinsic foot muscles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options given, it is d) Quadratus plantae that is part of the intrinsic muscles of the foot. They primarily provide support for the foot and its arch, as well as contribute to movements of the toes. The plantar group of these muscles consists of four layers: the gastrocnemius, soleus, flexor hallucis longus, and quadratus plantae. The intrinsic muscles of the foot originate and insert within the foot itself and are crucial for support and motion. Specifically, the quadratus plantae is one of the intrinsic muscles that are part of the plantar group. This plantar group consists of four layers, with the quadratus plantae situated in the second layer. This muscle aids in flexing the toes, particularly assisting the flexor digitorum longus muscle. The gastrocnemius (a) and soleus (b) muscles, along with the flexor hallucis longus (c), while essential for plantar flexion at the ankle, are part of the superficial and deep muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg, not the intrinsic muscles of the foot.