Lower Leg By:Dominika Legatova

1. Lower Leg By:Dominika Legatova

2. Gastrocnemius • Its origin consists of two heads attached to the posterior medial and lateral condyles of the femur. Its insertion is on the tuberosity of the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon. The primary action of the gastrocnemius are knee flexion when the foot is dorsiflexed and plantar flexion when the knee is extended.

3. Tibialis Anterior • A long, superficial muscle in the anterior compartment of the lower leg. It has its origin on the lateral condyle and upper two-thirds of the tibia, and its insertion on the medial surface of the first cuneiform and first metatarsal. Its primary actions are dorsiflexion and inversion

4. Soleus • A flat muscle that extends along the back of the calf behind the gastrocnemius with which it forms the triceps surae. The soleus has extensive, cone-shaped origins on the superior tibia, fibula, and interosseus membrane. Its insertion is on the caleaneus via the Achilles tendon. It has a high proportion of slow-twitch fibres that make it relatively fatigue-resistant. Its primary action is plantar flexion. It is also an important postural muscle during locomotion.

5. Achilles Tendon • A large tendon at the back of the ankle which connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). The tendon is very susceptible to injuries. When the musculature contracts, the pull on the Achilles' tendon elevates the heel in the springy motion essential to running and jumping. Since the effect is to lift the entire body weight against a severely adverse leverage ratio, the Achilles' tendon by necessity is the toughest and strongest of human tendons. The name derives from the mythical Greek hero Achilles, who was vulnerable only in the heel.