Muscles Of The Posterior Leg

Question 1

Origin and insertion of the gastrocnemius (superficial muscle)

Answer 1

• lateral head originates from the lateral femoral condyle. Medial head originates from the medial femoral condyle
  -two heads combine to form a single muscle belly
  -distally the muscle converges with the soleus muscle to form the calcaneal tendon. Inserts into the calcaneus
  -innervation: tibial nerve

Question 2

Origin and insertion of the soleus (superficial muscle)

Answer 2

-originates from the soleul line of the tibia and proximal fibular
-muscle converges with the fibres of the gastrocnemius to form the calcaneal tendon
-inserts into the calcaneus
-innervation: tibial nerve

Question 3

Origin and insertion of the plantaris (superficial muscle)

Answer 3

-originates from the lateral supracondylar line of the femur
-fibres condense into a tendon which travels down the leg between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle
- blends with the calcaneal tendon and inserts into the calcaneus.
Innervation: tibial nerve

Question 4

Origin and insertion of the popliteus (deep muscle)

Answer 4

-originates from lateral condyle of the femur and lateral meniscus of the knee joint.
-inserts onto the proximal tibia, immediate above the origin of the soleus muscle
-innervation: tibial nerve

Question 5

Origin and insertion of the Flexor digitorum longus (deep muscle)

Answer 5

-originates from the medial surface of the tibia
-attaches to the plantar surfaces of the lateral four digits
-innervation: tibial nerve

Question 6

Origin and insertion of the flexor hallucis longus (deep muscle)

Answer 6

-originates from the posterior surface of the fibular
-attaches to the plantar surface of the phalanx of the great toe
-innervation: tibial nerve

Question 7

Origin and insertion of the tibialis posterior (deep muscle)

Answer 7

-originates from the posterior surface and interosseus membrane of the tibia and fibular
-tendon enters the foot posterior to the medial malleolus
-attaches to the plantar surfaces of the medial tarsal bones
-innervation: tibial nerve