Which of the following motions occur at the ankle joint?

The ankle joint primarily allows for two specific movements: dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. Dorsiflexion refers to the movement where the foot is brought closer to the shin, effectively decreasing the angle between the dorsum (top) of the foot and the leg. Conversely, plantarflexion involves pointing the toes away from the shin, increasing the angle between the top of the foot and the leg. This functional capability is essential for various activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs.

While other types of movement may occur in the surrounding joints, such as inversion (the foot rotating inward) and eversion (the foot rotating outward), the primary motions recognized specifically at the ankle joint are dorsiflexion and plantarflexion. This distinct range of motion is crucial for understanding the biomechanics involved in activities that utilize the ankle, making this option the most accurate representation of ankle joint function.