The nerve receives stimulation from the central nervous system to contract (shorten) during dorsiflexion. “Muscle contraction is an active process and requires energy (derived from glucose) in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP)”. (O’Callaghan M 2013). ATP “is molecular store of chemical energy for chemical reactions” (Waugh & Grant 2014). The muscles relax when stimulation stops therefore returning to original length. In order for muscles to operate at optimum levels there has to be a good blood supply in order to provide oxygen, nutrients, calcium and also to remove waste …show more content…
For muscles to work effectively and to remain healthy they need a good blood supply in order to receive required nutrients, calcium, and oxygen and to remove waste materials. In dorsiflexion of the foot the anterior muscles originate within the leg therefore contraction takes place in the anterior aspect of the lower limb. Dorsiflexion also affects the posterior muscles which are antagonists to the anterior muscles. These posterior muscles stretch as the anterior muscles contract and the posterior muscles relax when the anterior muscles return to normal length.
References 1. Garcia M.C. & Lund K (2004). Venous ulcers and motorized ankle dorsiflexion: an introduction to a new approach. http://www.worldwidewounds.com/2004/june/Garcia/Motorised-Dorsiflexion.html accesses 21/07/2015 2. O’Callaghan M. (2013) Leaving Certificate Biology Plus. Dublin. The educational Company of Ireland 3. Waugh A. & Grant A (2014). Ross and Wilson Anatomy and Physiology in Health and Illness 12th edition. UK. Churchill Livingstone