Which action describes dorsiflexion of the foot?

Dorsiflexion of the foot refers specifically to the movement where the toes are brought closer to the shin. This action occurs at the ankle joint and typically involves raising the front part of the foot while keeping the heel on the ground. It is an essential movement for activities such as walking, running, and balancing, as it allows the foot to clear the ground during the swing phase of gait and prepares it for foot placement.

Other movements described in the other choices do not relate to dorsiflexion. Bending the foot down towards the ground represents plantarflexion, which is essentially the opposite of dorsiflexion. Moving the heel outward pertains to eversion or lateral movement of the foot. Shifting weight to the toes typically involves both the action of the ankle and the subtalar joint, but it does not specifically define dorsiflexion. Thus, the correct choice accurately captures the definition of dorsiflexion.