The upward movement of the foot at the ankle joint, bringing the toes closer to the shin. This motion is essential for ground clearance during walking and running, and adequate dorsiflexion range prevents compensatory movements up the kinetic chain.
From Latin 'dorsum' (back/top) and 'flexio' (bending), literally meaning 'bending toward the back.' The term was coined in anatomy to distinguish this ankle movement from plantarflexion, becoming standard medical terminology in the 19th century.
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