Triceps Surae
Original Editor - Shejza Mino
Top Contributors - Shejza Mino, Kim Jackson and Lucinda hampton
Description[edit | edit source]
The triceps surae is a term applied to the muscles of the calf, specifically the soleus muscle, the two-headed (medial & lateral) gastrocnemius muscle and the plantaris muscle[1].
Structure[edit | edit source]
The triceps surae form the posterosuperficial compartment of the leg[1].
It consists of a total of three heads, two from the gastrocnemius muscle and one from the soleus muscle, all inserting into the calcaneus (heel bone of the foot) through the achilles tendon.
Gastrocnemius (superficial portion of the triceps surae):
- Origin - femoral condyles, specifically:
- Lateral head: Lateral condyle of the femur
- Medial head: Medial condyle of the femur
Soleus (deep to the gastrocnemius):
- Origin - posterior aspect of the fibular head, soleal line on the medial border of the tibia
Plantaris
The triceps surae is innervated by the tibial nerve, nerve roots S1, S2[1].
Function[edit | edit source]
The triceps surae forms the achilles tendon distally, and is responsible for producing the majority of ankle dorsiflexion (up to 93%) in the sagittal plane, while stabilizing the ankle complex in the transverse plane[1].
Movement performed in the sagittal plane, stabilization during locomotion (walking, running), restraining the body from falling and power jumping are all functional activities of the triceps surae [2]
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Calf Strain[edit | edit source]
A calf strain implies damage to either the muscle belly itself or to its tendons at the site of attachment
Resources[edit | edit source]
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