Home > Medicine > Anatomy & Physiology > Muscles > Calf

Description

The calf muscle group is made up of three muscles superficial in the posterior compartment of the lower leg, with gastrocnemius and soleus being the main ones.

• Gastrocnemius
• Soleus
• Plantaris

There are other muscles deep in the posterior compartment of the lower leg: popliteus, flexor hallucis longus, flexor digitorum longus, and the tibialis posterior.

Actions

The calf muscles act to plantar flex the ankle joint. In addition, the Gastrocnemius also acts to flex the knee when not weight bearing, and stabilizes the ankle and knee when standing. The plantaris muscle flexes and stabilizes the knee joint.

Stretches

• Gastrocnemius Stretch
• Soleus Stretch

Related Pages

• List of muscles of the human body
• List of stretches

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Disclaimer

The above information is presented as a general guide. The author and publisher take no responsibility for any possible consequences of any treatment, procedure, exercise, action or application of medication based on this information. See more: Disclaimer.