Gastrocnemius Muscle
Origin: Medial head: Posterior part of the medial condyle and the adjoining part of the femur.
Lateral head: The lateral condyle and the adjoining part of the femur.
Lateral head: The lateral condyle and the adjoining part of the femur.
Insertion: The calcaneus via the Achilles tendon
Actions: Plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle, assists with flexion of the leg at the knee
Innervation: Tibial nerve S1, S2
Blood Supply: Branches from the posterior tibial and popliteal arteries
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
An excellent book for those beginning the study of anatomy. Coloring helps memory retention.
For intermediary anatomy students learning skeletal and muscle structure.
For beginning and intermediary anatomy . Muscle overlays on the human body. Excellent visuals!
