Final answer:
The anterior compartment of the lower leg is responsible for dorsiflexing the foot and extending the toes via the action of the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and sometimes the fibularis tertius.
Step-by-step explanation:
The common actions of the muscles located in the anterior compartment of the lower leg include dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of the toes. This action is mainly performed by a group of muscles that include the tibialis anterior, extensor hallucis longus, extensor digitorum longus, and sometimes the fibularis tertius.
When these muscles contract, they work together to raise the front part of the foot and extend the toes upwards. The fibularis tertius assists the extensor digitorum longus in these movements but is not present in all individuals. These muscles are supported functionally by thick bands of connective tissue such as the superior extensor retinaculum.