DORSAL AND VENTRAL MUSCLES OF THE SHANK OF FROG

Gastrocnemius (Dorsal)

– Largest posterior muscle

– Origin: femur & tibiofibula

– Insertion: Achilles tendon

– Action: flexes leg, extends foot

Peroneus (Dorsal)

– Between tibialis anticus & gastrocnemius

– Origin: distal femur

– Insertion: tibiofibula & calcaneum

– Action: extends leg; flexes/extends foot

Anticus (Dorsal)

– Most anterior muscle

– Origin: distal femur

– Insertion: astragalus & calcaneum

– Action: extends leg, flexes foot

Tibialis Posticus (Ventral)

– Long, slender muscle

– Origin: posterior tibiofibula

– Insertion: astragalus

– Action: extends & flexes foot

Extensor Cruris (Ventral)

– Wedge-shaped

– Origin: distal femur

– Insertion: tibiofibula (anterior)

– Action: extends leg; flexes/extends foot

Flexor Tarsi Anterior (Ventral)

– Small muscle, anterior tibiofibula

– Origin: mid tibiofibula

– Insertion: astragalus

– Action: flexes foot

Tibialis Anticus (Ventral)

– Narrow muscle, splits distally

– Same action as previous slide