Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX USA) Practice

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Prepare for the COMLEX-USA with quizzes featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Gear up for your osteopathic medicine exam!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What action is tested by dorsiflexing the foot against resistance?

Extension of great toe
Flexion of the hip
Plantar flexion
Dorsiflexion

The correct answer is: Dorsiflexion

Dorsiflexing the foot against resistance primarily tests the action of dorsiflexion itself. Dorsiflexion is the movement that brings the dorsum of the foot closer to the shin, which is crucial for various activities like walking, running, and navigating uneven surfaces. The muscle primarily responsible for this movement is the tibialis anterior, and testing it against resistance helps evaluate the strength and function of this muscle, as well as the integrity of the related nerve pathways, specifically the deep peroneal nerve. Engaging in this movement while providing resistance allows for an assessment of both the strength of the dorsiflexors and the overall functionality of the lower limb neuromuscular system. Recognizing dorsiflexion as the action being assessed is important in both clinical practice and examinations, as it provides insight into the patient's lower extremity mobility and potential issues stemming from nerve or muscle impairments.