Which movement involves bending the foot upward at the ankle?

The movement that involves bending the foot upward at the ankle is known as dorsiflexion. This action decreases the angle between the top of the foot and the lower leg, effectively lifting the toes towards the shin. Dorsiflexion is essential for various activities, such as walking and running, allowing for greater mobility and stability when the heel strikes the ground.

The other terms refer to different movements. Plantarflexion, for example, is the opposite of dorsiflexion, involving the movement of the foot downwards, such as when standing on tiptoes. Extension and flexion are general terms that pertain to straightening and bending movements at joints, respectively, and do not specifically describe the ankle movement being asked about here. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific terminology associated with anatomical movements.