Lateral refers to a structure this is further away from the center of the body with respect to the medial plane. Distal refers to a part of the limb that is further from the center of the body, or more accurately, further from the center of the medial plane. Also refers to a structure being further from the root of the limb. Analomy of the ankle Bones Smith's anatomy figures are included here. See figure .
Dorsiflexion takes place mostly in the ankle joints but also slightly in the tarsal joints.
Plantar flexion bending the foot downward. Dropped foot a plantar flexion of the foot, generally due to loss of dorsiflexor muscles of the foot and toes. Loss of the triceps surae permits the flexors to draw the calcaneus forward, the talus dorseflexes and the plantar fascia contracts. A high arch is formed. The long extentors of the toes tighten causing the toes to curl.