Which muscle is responsible for bending the foot upward and extending the toes?

The correct answer is associated with the muscle that is responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot and extension of the toes. The extensor digitorum longus primarily functions to extend the toes and plays a crucial role in lifting the foot upward. This is known as dorsiflexion, which involves raising the front part of the foot and decreasing the angle between the foot and the leg.

The extensor digitorum longus specifically extends the toes, allowing for coordinated movements needed during walking or running. This action is essential for clear toe clearance from the ground to prevent dragging and enhance the efficiency of movement.

It's important to note that while the flexor digitorum longus is involved in bending the toes downward, and the gastrocnemius aids in plantar flexion, neither of these muscles specializes in the upward bending of the foot or the extension of the toes like the extensor digitorum longus. The tibialis anterior, on the other hand, also plays a significant role in dorsiflexion, but it does not extend the toes; instead, it mainly helps in lifting the entire foot.

Thus, the role of the extensor digitorum longus in extending the toes and aiding in foot dors