What function do the muscles innervated by the tibial nerve primarily serve?

The correct choice highlights the primary actions of the muscles innervated by the tibial nerve. The tibial nerve, a major branch of the sciatic nerve, primarily innervates the muscles located in the posterior compartment of the leg. These muscles include the gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibialis posterior, which are primarily responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.

In addition to plantarflexion, these muscles also assist in the inversion of the foot. This combination of actions plays a crucial role in activities such as walking, running, and maintaining balance. The plantar surface of the foot, for instance, relies on effective plantarflexion for propulsion during gait, while inversion contributes to the stability of the foot.

The other options involve functions that are not primarily associated with muscles innervated by the tibial nerve. Dorsiflexion, for instance, involves muscles innervated by the deep peroneal nerve. Flexion at the knee involves muscles innervated by the sciatic nerve but not specifically by the tibial nerve alone. Similarly, while toe extension is associated with the muscles innervated by the deep peroneal nerve and the extensors of the toes, it does not correspond with the primary