Muscles of the Leg and Foot

Vocabulary flashcards related to the muscles of the leg and foot.

Plantaris

Muscle located in the back of the leg

- Assists in flexing the foot

- Assists in flexing the toes

Gastrocnemius

A large muscle in the calf that is responsible for the plantar flexion of the foot.

Soleus

A broad, flat muscle in the calf that also contributes to plantar flexion.

Calcaneal tendon

Also known as the Achilles tendon, it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Flexor tendons

Tendons that allow for the flexion of the foot and toes.

Fibularis tendons

Tendons associated with the fibularis muscles that aid in the movement of the foot.

Superior fibular retinaculum

A band of connective tissue that helps stabilize the fibularis tendons.

Flexor retinaculum

A connective tissue band that holds the flexor tendons in place as they cross the ankle.

Dorsal Interossei

Action: Abduct and flex 2nd-4th toes.

Gastrocnemius actions

A: flex the knee (tibiofemoral joint)

plantar flex the ankle (talocrural joint)

Soleus actions

A: plantar flex the ankle (talocrural joint)