dorsiflexion

(noun)

Movement of the foot upwards towards the lower leg.

Related Terms

(noun)

The movement which decreases the angle between the dorsum (superior surface) of the foot and the leg, so that the toes are brought closer to the shin.

Related Terms

Examples of dorsiflexion in the following topics:

  • Muscles that Cause Movement at the Ankle

    • Functionally, it acts as a hinge, allowing dorsiflexion (pulling the foot upwards towards the lower leg) and plantarflexion (pulling the foot downwards away from the lower leg).
    • Actions - Extension of the toes and dorsiflexion of the foot.
    • Actions - Extension of the big toe, and dorsiflexion of the foot.
    • Dorsiflexion of the Foot (pulling the foot upwards towards the leg)

  • Stability and Range of Motion at Synovial Joints

    • During a human stride, the Achilles (calcaneal) tendon stretches as the ankle joint undergoes dorsiflexion.
    • Certain joints exhibit special movements including elevation, depression, protraction, retraction, inversion, eversion, dorsiflexion, plantar flexion, supination, pronation, and opposition.

  • Movement at Synovial Joints

    • Dorsiflexion is a bending at the ankle such that the toes are lifted toward the knee.
    • (h) Dorsiflexion of the foot at the ankle joint moves the top of the foot toward the leg, while plantar flexion lifts the heel and points the toes.

  • Plantar Fasciitis

    • Another symptom is that the sufferer has difficulty bending the foot so that the toes are brought toward the shin (decreased dorsiflexion of the ankle).