Q21 Gastrocnemius

Question 1

briefly decribe the gastrocnemius and its position

Answer 1

most superficial muscle of the posterior lower leg. Has a lateral and medial head which blend together to form the shape of the calf and blend to form the Achilles Tendon

Question 2

give the attachments of gastrocnemius

Answer 2

proximal - arises from 2 heads which form the lower bounderies of the popliteal fossa. medial head to the posterior medial condyle of the femur, posterior to the adductor tubercle. lateral head to the lateral posterior surface of the lateral condyle, posterior the epicondyle.
distal - tendocalcaneus (achilies tendon) to the posterior surface of the calcaneus.

Question 3

name the nerve which supplies gastrocnemius

Answer 3

tibial nerve S1 S2

Question 4

state the action of gastrocnemius

Answer 4

planterflexor of the ankle, flexor of the knee

Question 5

give one functional activity in which gastrocnemius is active

Answer 5

jumping phase of a jump - planter flexing and pushing off the ground.