DORSIFLEXION Meaning and
Definition
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Dorsiflexion is a term used in human anatomy and physiology to describe a specific movement of the foot or hand. It refers to the process of bending or flexing the top part of the foot or hand towards the body's dorsal (upper) side. The prefix "dorsi-" comes from the Latin word dorsum, meaning "back," and "flexion" relates to the action of bending.
In the context of the foot, dorsiflexion occurs when the top surface of the foot is elevated towards the shin. This movement is carried out by specific muscles known as the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and extensor hallucis longus. Dorsiflexion is essential for various functional movements, such as walking, running, climbing stairs, and maintaining balance.
In the case of the hand, dorsiflexion refers to the process of extending the hand and wrist backward, causing the back of the hand to move closer to the forearm. This movement is enabled primarily by the extensor muscles located on the back of the forearm, such as the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis.
Dorsiflexion is the opposite of plantarflexion, which is the movement of the foot or hand in the downward direction. These movements are crucial for maintaining proper mobility, stability, and coordination in everyday activities and sports.
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Bending toward the back; noting flexion of the foot, the dorsum approaching the leg, which, by analogy with the hand, would be called extension.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for DORSIFLEXION
- sorsiflexion
- xorsiflexion
- corsiflexion
- forsiflexion
- rorsiflexion
- eorsiflexion
- dirsiflexion
- dkrsiflexion
- dlrsiflexion
- dprsiflexion
- d0rsiflexion
- d9rsiflexion
- doesiflexion
- dodsiflexion
- dofsiflexion
- dotsiflexion
- do5siflexion
- do4siflexion
- doraiflexion
- dorsiflecion
- dorsiflexsion
- dorsiflexoin
- Dorseflexion
- Dorsiflextion
Etymology of DORSIFLEXION
The word "dorsiflexion" comes from the combination of two Latin roots: "dorsum" and "flexio".
1. "Dorsum" means "the back" or "the upper side", referring to the back of the body or any structure's upper surface.
2. "Flexio" means "bending" or "a bending movement".
Thus, when combined, "dorsiflexion" literally means "bending toward the back" or "bending towards the upper side". In anatomical terms, it refers to the movement of bending the foot and ankle in an upward direction, bringing the top of the foot closer to the leg.
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