Final answer:
The dorsiflexors of the ankle and foot are innervated by the common fibular nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve. Dorsiflexion involves lifting the front of the foot towards the leg, engaged by muscles such as the tibialis anterior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ankle and foot dorsiflexors are supplied by the common fibular nerve which is derived from the sciatic nerve. Dorsiflexion is the movement at the ankle joint where the top of the foot is brought closer to the anterior leg. The muscles involved in dorsiflexion include the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, and extensor digitorum longus.
These muscles are crucial for lifting the front part of the foot from the ground. The sciatic nerve bifurcates into the common fibular and tibial nerves to supply the posterior compartment of the leg and the dorsiflexors of the foot, respectively.
It's essential to highlight that the tibial nerve, as part of the sciatic nerve, also plays a critical role in the movements of the foot and toes. The plantar flexion of the big toe and foot is facilitated, among other muscles, by the flexor hallucis longus and the gastrocnemius muscles. The plantar arch of the foot is an important vascular structure formed from the anastomosis of the dorsalis pedis artery and medial and plantar arteries, supplying the distal foot and digits.