Calf Muscles

Description

Anatomic diagram of the triceps surae complex. GM: medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, FGA: free gastrocnemious aponeurosis, AT: proximal Achilles tendon, formed by the junction of the anterior gastrocnemius aponeurosis and the posterior soleus aponeurosis. GA: anterior gastrocnemius aponeurosis, SA: soleus aponeurosis

Name

• Triceps Surae
• Calf Muscles
• Calves

General

• Group of muscles that make up the superficial posterior compartment of the leg
• Major plantarflexors of the foot
• Common insertion into the Achilles Tendon

Muscles

• Gastrocnemius
• Soleus

Innervation

• Tibial Nerve

Vascular Supply

• Posterior Tibial Artery

Function

• Gastrocnemius: Foot plantar flexion (talocrural joint); leg flexion (knee joint)
• Soleus: Foot plantar flexion (talocrural joint)

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Clinical Significance

• Tennis Leg
• Achilles Tendon Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Calcaneal Bursitis

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See Also

• Leg Anatomy Main
• Leg Pain Main
• Physical Exam Knee

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