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Gastrocnemius

The gastrocnemius (Latin: musculus gastrocnemius) is a large muscle located in the posterior compartment of the leg. It is the most superficial muscle of the posterior leg and, together with the soleus, forms a muscle complex known as the triceps surae. The gastrocnemius is a fundamental muscle for walking and posture as it affects the entire lower limb. Besides the gastrocnemius, the superficial layer of the posterior leg also includes the plantaris.

Gastrocnemius
Origin

Lateral head - lateral condyle of femur

Medial head - medial condyle of femur

InsertionPosterior surface of calcaneus via Achilles tendon
ActionFoot plantar flexion, leg flexion
InnervationTibial nerve (S1 - S2)
Blood supply Sural arteries
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Gastrocnemius by Anatomy.app

 

Origin

The gastrocnemius contains two heads, and each of them has a different site of origin. The medial head of the muscle arises from the medial condyle of the femur, while the lateral head originates from the lateral condyle of the femur.

Gastrocnemius, Origin of gastrocnemius, Insertion of gastrocnemius, Superficial layer of posterior leg muscles, Superficial posterior leg muscles, Posterior compartment muscles, Posterior compartment of leg, Leg muscles, Human leg, Medial view of gastrocnemius
Medial view of gastrocnemius by Anatomy.app

 

Insertion

The gastrocnemius inserts on the posterior surface of the calcaneus via Achilles tendon. Both heads of the muscle join together and later merge with the soleus tendon approximately in the middle third of the leg to form a common tendon called Achilles or calcaneal tendon.

Gastrocnemius, Origin of gastrocnemius, Insertion of gastrocnemius, Superficial layer of posterior leg muscles, Superficial posterior leg muscles, Posterior compartment muscles, Posterior compartment of leg, Leg muscles, Human leg, Lateral view of gastrocnemius
Lateral view of gastrocnemius by Anatomy.app

 

Action

The gastrocnemius provides foot plantar flexion at the talocrural (ankle) joint. Also, it is responsible for the flexion of the leg at the knee joint.

 

Innervation

The gastrocnemius is innervated by the tibial nerve (S1 - S2) - a terminal branch of the sciatic nerve.

 

Blood supply

The gastrocnemius receives arterial blood supply from the sural arteries - branches of the popliteal artery.