Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The soleus is the most effective muscle for plantarflexion in a bent knee position. The gastrocnemius originates on the femur, so bending the leg limits its effective tension. During regular movement (i.e., walking) the soleus is the primary muscle utilized for plantarflexion due to the slow-twitch fibers resisting fatigue. [9]
Along with the soleus muscle, the gastrocnemius forms half of the calf muscle. Its function is plantar flexing the foot at the ankle joint and flexing the leg at the knee joint. The gastrocnemius is primarily involved in running, jumping and other "fast" movements of leg, and to a lesser degree in walking and standing.
The superficial portion (the gastrocnemius) gives off two heads attaching to the base of the femur directly above the knee. The deep (profundus) mass of muscle (the soleus) forms the remaining head which attaches to the superior posterior area of the tibia. The triceps surae is innervated by the tibial nerve, specifically, nerve roots L5–S2.
The soleus muscle helps stabilize the ankles while gastrocnemius helps stabilize the knees. Squats Any squat can become a great calf workout if you lift the heels — this is called a plié squat.
The gastrocnemius muscle is heterogeneous, composed of both "red" and "pale" muscle, and thus containing fast-twitch high force fibers. Henneman's and colleagues took advantage of the differences between the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles to show that the neurons innervating the soleus muscle:
The lateral gastrocnemius is an example of this muscle architecture. Bipennate ... Muscular hydrostats function independently of a hardened skeletal system. Muscular ...
Weakly assists gastrocnemius in plantarflexing ankle Soleus: Posterior aspect of head and superior quarter of posterior surface of fibula; soleal line and middle third of medial border of tibia; and tendinous arch extending between the bony attachments: Plantarflexes ankle independent of position of knee; steadies leg on foot
The gastrocnemius also flexes the leg at the knee. Both muscles are innervated by the tibial nerve. [14] Because the fibres of the tendon spiral about 90 degrees, fibres from the gastrocnemius tend to attach to the outer part of the bone, whereas fibres from the soleus tend to attach closer to the midline. [11]