What is the term for flexing the ankle dorsally so that the toes are moving toward the shin?

The term for flexing the ankle dorsally, which involves moving the toes toward the shin, is dorsiflexion. This movement occurs primarily at the ankle joint and is crucial for walking, running, and various other activities. During dorsiflexion, the angle between the dorsum (top) of the foot and the leg decreases, allowing for better foot positioning.

In contrast, supination refers to the outward rolling of the foot during normal motion, while plantar flexion involves pointing the toes away from the shin, such as when standing on tiptoes. Rotation describes the movement around an axis, which doesn’t specifically pertain to the action of flexing the ankle. Understanding these terms is key in kinesiology as they relate to the mechanics of movement and the functioning of various joints in the body.