Question

The posterior muscles of the leg

A) evert and dorsiflex the foot
B) extend the leg and plantar flex the foot
C) dorsiflex the foot and extend the toes
D) plantar flex the foot and flex the toes

Answer 1

The posterior muscles of the leg predominantly plantar flex the foot and extend the toes, the actions mainly performed by the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The posterior muscles of the leg are primarily responsible for plantar flexion of the foot and extension of the toes. Plantar flexion is the movement that points the toes downwards, which happens when you press the gas pedal in a car, for instance. This action is the opposite of dorsiflexion, which is the pulling up of the foot towards the shin. The primary muscles involved in plantar flexion are the gastrocnemius and soleus, collectively known as the calf muscles. Extension of the toes is primarily controlled by the muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg such as the flexor digitorum longus and flexor hallucis longus.