Which muscles are responsible for dorsiflexion of the ankle?

Prepare for the Orthotics and Prosthetics Combined Written Boards Exam. Enhance your understanding with multiple choice questions and detailed explanations to succeed in your certification.

Dorsiflexion of the ankle primarily involves the actions of the muscles located in the anterior compartment of the leg. The muscles identified in the selected answer, namely the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus, are well-known for their role in this movement.

The tibialis anterior is the main muscle responsible for dorsiflexion, as it directly lifts the front of the foot. The extensor hallucis longus assists by extending the big toe while also contributing to dorsiflexion, and the extensor digitorum longus aids in dorsiflexing the foot and extending the other toes. Collectively, these muscles enable efficient foot positioning for walking, running, and various activities by helping lift the foot during the swing phase of gait.

In contrast, the other options include muscles that do not contribute to dorsiflexion. For instance, the gastrocnemius, plantaris, and posterior tibialis are involved in plantarflexion, which moves the foot downwards. Likewise, the flexor hallucis longus, soleus, and peroneus longus are also primarily engaged in plantarflexion and foot eversion rather than dorsiflexion. Finally

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy