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Plantaris Muscle Origin, Insertion, Action

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Origin: Lateral supracondylar ridge of the femur above the lateral head of the gastrocnemius

Insertion: Medial aspect of the posterior surface of the calcaneus, medial to the Achilles tendon.

Actions: Assists with flexion of the knee and plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle

Innervation: Tibial Nerve (S1, S2)

Blood Supply: Popliteal Artery

Image of the plantaris muscle

Looking for pain and symptom information? Visit the Plantaris Muscle Pain Page.

Primary Actions of the Plantaris Muscle

Because of its size and location, the plantaris muscle is not a primary mover.

 

Secondary Actions of the Plantaris Muscle

1. Assists with flexion of the knee

Agonists:

    • Biceps Femoris
    • Semitendinosus
    • Semimembranosus

Antagonists:

    • Vastus Lateralis
    • Vastus Medialis
    • Vastus Intermedius
    • Rectus Femoris

Gracilis, sartorius, popliteus, and gastrocnemius also assist with flexion of the knee.

2. Assists with plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle

Agonists:

    • Gastrocnemius
    • Soleus

Antagonists: Tibialis Anterior

Tibialis posterior, peroneus longus, flexor hallucis longus, and flexor digitorum longus also assist with plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle.

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