
Gastrocnemius Muscle
Lateral head: The lateral condyle and the adjoining part of the femur.
Primary Actions of the Gastrocnemius Muscle
1. Plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle
Agonists:
- Soleus
Antagonists:
- Tibialis Anterior
Plantaris, tibialis posterior, peroneus longus, flexor hallucis longus, and flexor digitorum longus assist with plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle.
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Secondary Actions of the Gastrocnemius Muscle
2. Assists with flexion of the leg at the knee
Agonists:
- Biceps Femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
Antagonists:
- Vastus Lateralis
- Vastus Medialis
- Vastus Intermedius
- Rectus Femoris
Gracilis, sartorius, popliteus, and plantaris also assist with flexion of the knee.
Information about the cause and effect of gastrocnemius pain: Gastrocnemius: Knee, Low Leg, Ankle, Arch Pain