What movement is characterized by bending the foot at the ankle to raise the toes?

Dorsiflexion specifically refers to the movement that occurs at the ankle joint when the foot is flexed upward, raising the toes toward the shin. This action decreases the angle between the dorsum (the front) of the foot and the leg. It is commonly involved in activities such as walking and running, as it helps with proper foot placement during stride and prevents tripping.

In contrast, plantarflexion is the movement that points the toes downwards, as done when standing on tiptoes or pushing off during a walk or run. Supination refers to a rotation of the forearm or foot, typically meaning the palm or foot turns upwards. Abduction describes a movement away from the body’s midline, which does not pertain to the angle of the foot at the ankle. Thus, the correct identification of dorsiflexion clarifies the specific upward movement of the foot at the ankle joint in raising the toes.