Dorsiflexion – a decrease in the angle between two bones or midline

(Pronounced dawr-suh-flek-shuhn)

The term dorsiflexion is not usually examinable at 16, but it is a useful term to remember.

We know flexion - a decrease in the angle between two bones or midline.

But to remember what dorsi represents, use the following mnemonic:

Dorsi means on the back. Think of where the dorsal fin of a dolphin is - on the back of the dolphin.

Therefore, dorsiflexion is the decrease in angle from the back of the foot towards the shin.

When you try to walk just on the heels of your foot, you dorsiflex the feet.