Muscles of the Ankle Subtalar Joints : Superficial Posterior Compartment and Deep Posterior Compartment

Question 1

What are the muscles of the superficial posterior compartment?

Answer 1

Gastrocnemius
Soleus

Question 2

What is the origin, insertion and action of Gastrocnemius?

Answer 2

O : Medial and Lateral Femoral Condyles
I : Calcaneus via the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon
A :
1. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
2. Flexes the leg at the knee joint

Question 3

What is the origin, insertion and action of Soleus?

Answer 3

O : Posterior tibia and fibula
I : Calcaneus via the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon
A : Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint

Question 4

What is the origin, insertion and action of Plantaris?

Answer 4

O : Distal posterolateral femur
I : Calcaneus
A :
1. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
2. Flexes the leg at the knee joint

Question 5

What is the origin, insertion and action of Tibialis Posterior of Tom, Dick and Harry?

Answer 5

O : Posterior tibia and fibular
I : Navicular Tuberosity
A :
1. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
2. Inverts (supinates) the foot at the subtalar joint