Muscles of the Lower Leg : Posterior Compartment

Question 1

Gastrocnemius

Answer 1

O : Distal posteromedial femur and the distal posterolateral femur at the medial and lateral condyles of the femur
I : Posterior surface of the calcaneus via calcaneal tendon
A :
1. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
2. Flexes the leg at the knee joint

Question 2

Soleus

Answer 2

O : Soleal line, proximal, posterior surface of the tibia and posterior aspect of the head and proximal 1/3 of the fibula
I : Posterior surface of the calcaneus via calcaneal tendon
A :
1. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
2. Flexes the leg at the knee joint

Question 3

Plantaris

Answer 3

O : Posterior aspect of the lateral condyle and the distal lateral supracondylar line of the femur
I : Posterior surface of the calcaneus
A :
1. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
2. Flexes the leg at the knee joint

Question 4

Tibialis Posterior

Answer 4

O : Proximal 2/3 of the posterior aspect of the tibia and fibula and interosseous membrane
I : Navicular tuberosity and metatarsals 2-4 and all tarsal bones except the talus
A :
1. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
2. Inverts the foot at the ankle joint

Question 5

Flexor Digitorum Longus

Answer 5

O : Middle 1/3 of the posterior tibia
I : Plantar surface of distal phalanges of toes 2-5
A :
1. Flex the toes 2-5 at the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints
2. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joints
3. Inverts the foot at the subtalar joint

Question 6

Flexor Hallucis Longus

Answer 6

O : Distal 2/3 of the posterior fibula and distal 2/3 of the interosseous membrane
I : Plantar surface of the distal phalanx of the first toe
A :
1. Flexes the first toe at the metatarsophalangeal and interphalangeal joints
2. Plantarflexes the foot at the ankle joint
3. Inverts the foot at the subtalar joint