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Soleus Muscle Anatomy: Origin, Insertion, Action

Origin: Laterally to the head and the superior 1/3 of the fibula
Medially to the middle 1/3 of the medial border of the tibia and the interosseous membrane
Insertion: Attaches into the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon
Actions: Plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle
Innervation: Tibial nerve S1, S2
Blood Supply: Branches from the anterior tibial artery and posterior tibial artery

Image showing soleus muscle origin and insertion

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

Primary Actions of the Soleus Muscle

  1. Plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle

Agonists:

  • Gastrocnemius

Antagonists:

  • Tibialis Anterior

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