Which term describes the action of bending backward or bending the foot toward the knee?

The term that describes the action of bending backward or bending the foot toward the knee is dorsiflexion. Dorsiflexion refers specifically to the movement at the ankle joint where the toes are lifted upward and the foot bends at the ankle toward the front of the leg, reducing the angle between the foot and the lower leg. This action is important for activities such as walking, where the foot needs to clear the ground during the swing phase.

Understanding the other terms can enhance clarity: plantarflexion is the opposite of dorsiflexion and involves pointing the toes away from the knee, thus increasing the angle. Flexion refers to a bending movement that decreases the angle at a joint, often applied to various joints including the elbow or knee, while extension refers to a straightening movement that increases the angle at a joint. Dorsiflexion is a specific type of flexion that applies to the foot and ankle, making it the precise term for the action described in the question.