Anatomy Question of the Day

Practice Anatomy with the production-style question-of-the-day selection for this public URL.

Question 1

Which muscle is responsible for the plantar flexion of the foot?

Gastrocnemius
Tibialis anterior
Biceps femoris
Rectus femoris

Explanation: Plantar flexion involves increasing the angle between the foot and the leg (pointing the toe). The gastrocnemius is found on the posterior portion of the leg, and is contracted in order to cause plantar flexion of the foot. The other muscle to contribute to this action is the soleus, also located in the posterior portion of the leg. The tibialis anterior is located in the anterior portion of the leg and is involved in dorsiflexion, the opposite of plantar flexion. The biceps femoris and rectus femoris are located in the thigh, and do not act on the position of the foot. The biceps femoris is involved in flexion of the knee and the rectus femoris is involved in extension of the knee.

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Anatomy

Anatomy Question of the Day

Practice Anatomy with the production-style question-of-the-day selection for this public URL.

Question 1

Which muscle is responsible for the plantar flexion of the foot?

Gastrocnemius
Tibialis anterior
Biceps femoris
Rectus femoris

Explanation: Plantar flexion involves increasing the angle between the foot and the leg (pointing the toe). The gastrocnemius is found on the posterior portion of the leg, and is contracted in order to cause plantar flexion of the foot. The other muscle to contribute to this action is the soleus, also located in the posterior portion of the leg. The tibialis anterior is located in the anterior portion of the leg and is involved in dorsiflexion, the opposite of plantar flexion. The biceps femoris and rectus femoris are located in the thigh, and do not act on the position of the foot. The biceps femoris is involved in flexion of the knee and the rectus femoris is involved in extension of the knee.