Which movement describes plantarflexion?

• A. Pointing the toes down
• B. Pointing the toes up
• C. Bending the knee
• D. Turning the palm inward

Answer: (A)

Plantarflexion is the movement at the ankle that points the toes downward, as when you stand on tiptoes or press your foot down like a gas pedal. It mainly involves the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) pulling the foot downward. The opposite action, pointing the toes upward, is dorsiflexion. Bending the knee refers to knee flexion, and turning the palm inward is forearm pronation, which are not ankle movements. So pointing the toes down best describes plantarflexion.