Gastrocnemius

Description

Illustration of gastrocnemius

Anatomy of the posterior leg including gastrocnemius, plantaris, soleus and calcaneal tendon

Name

• Gastrocnemius
• Sometimes referred to as the 'Triceps Surae' in conjunction with the Soleus
• Calf muscle

General

• Two heads have considerable muscle bulk
• Separated by an intramuscular septum
• Contains both slow and fast twitch fibers

Origin

• Lateral head: Femur (lateral condyle)
• Medial head: Femur (medial condyle and popliteal surface)

Insertion

• Coalesces with the distal Soleus to form the Achilles Tendon
• Inserts onto the Calcaneus (posterior surface)

Actions

• Plantar flexion
• Flexion of the knee

Vascular Supply

• Sural Arteries

Nerve

• Tibial Nerve (S1-S2)

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Clinical Significance

• Tennis Leg (Calf Strain or Tear)
• Achilles Tendon Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Calcaneal Bursitis
• Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome

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See Also

• Physical Exam Thigh
• Leg Anatomy Main
• Leg Pain Main
• Ankle Pain Main

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