Which muscle group is primarily responsible for ankle dorsiflexion?

• A. Gastrocnemius and soleus
• B. Tibialis anterior
• C. Fibularis longus and brevis
• D. Quadriceps

Answer: (B)

The tibialis anterior muscle is primarily responsible for ankle dorsiflexion. This muscle is located in the anterior compartment of the leg and plays a crucial role in lifting the foot upward towards the shin. This action of dorsiflexion is essential for various activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs, as it helps to clear the toes from the ground during the swing phase of gait to prevent tripping.

The gastrocnemius and soleus, while they play significant roles in plantarflexion (pointing the toes down), do not contribute to dorsiflexion. The fibularis longus and brevis muscles are primarily responsible for eversion and some assistance in plantarflexion, but they do not actively contribute to dorsiflexion. The quadriceps are a group of muscles primarily involved in knee extension and have no direct function in ankle dorsiflexion.