Muscles of the Leg (Superficial Posterior Compartment)

Question 1

List All the muscles contained within the Superficial Posterior compartment of the leg which are mainly involved in Plantarflexion inversion and flexing the toes

Answer 1

Gastrocnemius
Plantaris
Soleus

Question 2

Detail the Characteristics of Gastrocnemius

Answer 2

Gastrocnemius

• Origin Lateral Head - Upper posterolateral surface of lateral condyle of the femur
• Origin Medial Head - Posterior surface of medial femoral condyle, popliteal surface of femoral shaft
• Insertion - Posterior surface of the calcaneus via the calcaneal tendon
• Innervation - Tibial Nerve
• Function - Plantarflexion of the foot at Talocrural Joint and Knee flexion at Knee Joint

Question 3

Detail the Characteristics of Plantaris

Answer 3

Plantaris
* Origin - Lateral supracondylar line of femur, oblique popliteal ligament of knee
* Insertion - Posterior surface of calcaneus (via calcaneal tendon)
* Innervation - Tibial Nerve
* Function - Plantarflexion of the foot at Talocrural Joint and Knee flexion at Knee Joint

Question 4

Detail the Characteristics of Soleus

Answer 4

Soleus
* Origin - Soleal line, medial border of tibia, head of fibula, posterior border of fibula
* Insertion - Posterior surface of calcaneus (via calcaneal tendon)
* Innervation - Tibial Nerve
* Function - Plantarflexion of the foot at Talocrural joint