Alberta Written Barber Practice Exam

The muscle that causes the foot to invert and turn outward is the?

1. Gastrocnemius

2. Tibialis anterior

3. Peroneus longus

4. Soleus

The correct answer is: Tibialis anterior

The muscle that causes the foot to invert and turn outward is the tibialis anterior. This muscle is primarily responsible for dorsiflexion of the foot, which elevates the foot at the ankle joint. It also aids in the inversion of the foot, meaning it helps turn the sole of the foot inward. The tibialis anterior runs along the front of the leg and attaches to the bones of the foot, allowing it to control the position effectively. When the tibialis anterior contracts, it pulls the foot upwards and also can cause it to move inward slightly, which is essential for proper foot mechanics and balance. This action is particularly important for activities such as walking on uneven surfaces, as it helps stabilize the foot. Other muscles mentioned serve different functions. For example, the gastrocnemius and soleus are primarily involved in plantar flexion, which points the toes downwards rather than causing inversion. The peroneus longus, while also related to ankle and foot movement, is primarily responsible for eversion of the foot, which turns the sole outward, not inward. Therefore, the tibialis anterior is accurately identified as the muscle responsible for foot inversion and contributes to outward turning.