Several muscles control the ankle, working together to allow for a range of movements. It's not just one single muscle.
The muscles primarily responsible for ankle movement include:
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Anterior Tibialis: This muscle is located on the front of the shin and is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion, which is pulling the foot upward towards the shin (like when you point your toes up).
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Gastrocnemius and Soleus (Calf Muscles): These muscles, located on the back of the lower leg, connect to the heel bone (calcaneus) via the Achilles tendon. Their primary function is plantarflexion, which is pointing the foot downward (like standing on your tiptoes). The gastrocnemius also contributes to knee flexion.
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Posterior Tibialis: This muscle is located deep in the back of the lower leg. It supports the arch of the foot and assists in plantarflexion and inversion (turning the sole of the foot inward).
Therefore, ankle movement isn't controlled by a single muscle, but rather by a coordinated effort of several muscles working in synergy. Each muscle contributes a unique action to allow for the diverse range of motions the ankle is capable of.
