Soleus

Description

Soleus muscle

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

• Soleus
• Second heart

General

• Flat, powerful muscle located in the superficial posterior compartment of the leg
• Sits superficial to gastrocnemius, contributes to the calf muscle group
• Key player in plantarflexion, posture

Origin

• Fibula (head and posterior border, proximal 1/3)
• Tibia (medial border)
• Soleal Line

Insertion

• Coalesces with the distal Gastrocnemius to form the Achilles Tendon inserting onto the Calcaneus (posterior surface)

Actions

• Plantar Flexion of Foot
• Contains primarily slow twitch fibers
• Players a greater role in maintaining strength and endurance

Vascular Supply

• Posterior Tibial Artery

Innervation

• Tibial Nerve (S1-S2)

Anatomic Variance

• Accessory soleus muscle is the most common accessory muscle in the leg

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Clinical Significance

• Tennis Leg (Calf Strain or Tear)
• Achilles Tendon Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Calcaneal Bursitis

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See Also

• Physical Exam Ankle
• Ankle Anatomy (Main)
• Ankle Pain (Main)

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