Which muscle is the primary mover for ankle dorsiflexion?

Which muscle is the primary mover for ankle dorsiflexion?

• A. Extensor digitorum longus
• B. Peroneus longus
• C. Tibialis anterior
• D. Extensor hallucis longus

Answer: (C)

Dorsiflexion of the ankle means lifting the front of the foot toward the shin. The main muscle responsible is the tibialis anterior, located in the front of the shin. Its tendon pulls the dorsum of the foot upward with the strongest, most direct action at the ankle joint, making it the primary dorsiflexor. The other muscles listed contribute to dorsiflexion only as assisting players: extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus help lift the toes and can aid the ankle’s upward movement, but their primary roles are toe extension; peroneus longus lies on the lateral side and mainly plantarflexes and everts the foot, not dorsiflexion. In practical terms, tibialis anterior is the strongest driver of lifting the foot up during walking and other activities.

Dorsiflexion of the ankle means lifting the front of the foot toward the shin. The main muscle responsible is the tibialis anterior, located in the front of the shin. Its tendon pulls the dorsum of the foot upward with the strongest, most direct action at the ankle joint, making it the primary dorsiflexor. The other muscles listed contribute to dorsiflexion only as assisting players: extensor digitorum longus and extensor hallucis longus help lift the toes and can aid the ankle’s upward movement, but their primary roles are toe extension; peroneus longus lies on the lateral side and mainly plantarflexes and everts the foot, not dorsiflexion. In practical terms, tibialis anterior is the strongest driver of lifting the foot up during walking and other activities.