The gait cycle refers to the sequence of movements that occur during walking. It is divided into two main phases: the stance phase and the swing phase. The stance phase begins when one foot makes contact with the ground and ends when that foot lifts off. During this phase, the body supports its weight on that leg. The swing phase follows, where the leg moves forward to prepare for the next step. This cycle repeats with each leg, allowing for smooth and coordinated movement. Understanding the gait cycle is essential in fields like physical therapy and biomechanics to assess and improve walking patterns.