CALVES (LOWER LEG)

Gastrocnemius:

The gastrocnemius is divided into two portions: medial head and lateral head. The medial head originates from the medial epicondyle of the femur and inserts on the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. The lateral head originates from the lateral epicondyle of the femur and inserts on the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. The main function of the gastrocnemius is to plantarflex the ankle.

 

Soleus:

The soleus originates from the posterior surfaces of the tibia and fibula and inserts on the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. Its main function is to plantarflex the ankle.

 

Tibialis Anterior(Achilles Heal):

The tibialis anterior originates from the lateral tibia and inserts on the 1st cuneiform and 1st metatarsal. Its main functions are to dorsiflex the ankle and inverse the foot.