Ankle Superfiical Posterior Compartment

Question 1

Which muscles are in the superficial posterior compartment

Answer 1

Gastrocnemius 
Soleus 
Plantaris 
They all insert into the calcaneus via the tendocalcaneus 
They plantar flex the foot

Question 2

What is the origin, insertion and action for gastrocnemius

Answer 2

Origin - lateral head - posterior of lateral femoral condyle
Medial head - posterior of medial femoral condyle
Insertion - posterior surface of calcaneus via the tendocalcaneus
Action - powerful plantar flexors, knee flexion

Question 3

What is the origin, insertion and action for soleus

Answer 3

Origin - soleal line, posterior of tibia, posterior of upper 1/3 of fibula (including head)
Insertion - fuses with tendon of gastrocnemius to form upper tendocalcaneus. Then goes into posterior part of Calcaneus
Action - plantarflexion

Question 4

What is the origin, insertion and action for plantaris

Answer 4

Origin - lateral supra condylar ridge of femur, above lateral head of gastrocnemius
- adjacent part of popliteal surface of femur
Insertion - medial tendocalcaneus and posterior of calcaneus
Action - weak knee flexor, insignificant plantar flexor