What motion occurs when the ankle is flexed so that the toes point away from the shin?

Plantar flexion is the correct term for the motion that occurs when the ankle is flexed, resulting in the toes pointing away from the shin. This action involves increasing the angle between the foot and the lower leg, effectively moving the foot downwards. It is commonly observed in activities such as standing on your tiptoes or pushing down on the gas pedal in a car.

Understanding plantar flexion helps in various contexts, such as athletic movements and rehabilitation exercises where strengthening or stretching the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) is essential. This motion plays a critical role in activities like walking, running, and jumping, making it fundamental in kinesiology and related fields.