What motion best describes the act of curling the toes upwards?

The act of curling the toes upwards is best described by dorsiflexion. Dorsiflexion is the movement that brings the top of the foot closer to the shin, which occurs when the toes are curled upward. In this motion, the angle between the foot and the shin decreases, allowing the toes to move in the direction of the dorsum (the upper part of the foot). This is a common action that can be observed when someone is walking on their heels or lifting their toes while seated.

In contrast, plantar flexion refers to movements that point the toes downward, such as when standing on tiptoes. Extension typically describes straightening a joint, which is not specifically related to toe movement in this context. Inversion refers to the inward turning of the foot at the ankle, which does not involve curling the toes either.