Which of the following best describes dorsiflexion?

Dorsiflexion refers specifically to the movement of the foot where the toes are brought upwards toward the shin. This action occurs at the ankle joint and is crucial for various activities such as walking, running, and certain exercises in Pilates. The movement results in the top of the foot moving closer to the front of the leg, which can enhance balance and contribute to proper posture during both dynamic and static activities.

The other options describe different positions or actions that do not capture the essence of dorsiflexion. For instance, describing legs straightened while standing does not pertain exclusively to the movement of the foot and ankle, and instead refers to a whole-body position. Knees bent during performance indicates a knee joint movement and again does not involve the ankle specifically. Lastly, pointing the feet away from the body represents plantarflexion, which is the opposite of dorsiflexion, illustrating the importance of distinguishing between these movements in the context of physical activity and rehabilitation.