Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

Which term describes the action of pointing the toes away from the shin?

1. Plantar flexion

2. Dorsiflexion

3. Flexion

4. Extension

The correct answer is: Plantar flexion

The action of pointing the toes away from the shin is referred to as plantar flexion. This movement is primarily carried out by the muscles in the calf, specifically the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Plantar flexion occurs when the foot is extended downward, as in standing on tiptoe or pressing a gas pedal in a car. Understanding the context of this term is important as it contrasts with dorsiflexion, which involves moving the foot upwards towards the shin. Terms such as flexion and extension also relate to movement but are more general and are typically used in reference to bending and straightening limbs rather than the specific action of the foot. Therefore, when considering the mechanics of foot movement, plantar flexion is the precise term for pointing the toes away from the shin.