Triceps surae muscle: Difference between revisions

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'''Triceps surae muscle''' is a pair of muscles located at the calf of the lower leg in humans. It is composed of two muscles: the [[gastrocnemius muscle]] and the [[soleus muscle]]. These muscles both insert into the [[calcaneus]], the heel bone, and are innervated by the [[tibial nerve]]. The triceps surae is involved in [[plantar flexion]] of the foot and aids in locomotion.
{{Short description|Muscle group in the calf of the leg}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}


==Structure==
The '''triceps surae''' is a pair of muscles located at the back of the lower leg, commonly referred to as the calf. It is composed of the [[gastrocnemius muscle]] and the [[soleus muscle]]. These muscles are crucial for movements such as walking, running, and jumping.
The triceps surae consists of the gastrocnemius, which has two heads, and the soleus, which is located deep to the gastrocnemius. The gastrocnemius is the larger and more superficial of the two muscles, and forms the bulk of the calf. The soleus is a broad, flat muscle that lies underneath the gastrocnemius.
 
==Anatomy==
The triceps surae is made up of two major muscles:
 
===Gastrocnemius===
The [[gastrocnemius muscle]] is the larger and more superficial of the two muscles. It has two heads, the medial and lateral, which originate from the femur. The gastrocnemius crosses both the knee and ankle joints, contributing to its role in knee flexion and plantarflexion of the foot.
 
===Soleus===
The [[soleus muscle]] lies beneath the gastrocnemius. It originates from the tibia and fibula and does not cross the knee joint. The soleus is primarily responsible for plantarflexion of the foot and is active during standing and walking.


==Function==
==Function==
The triceps surae is a powerful plantar flexor. It is used during walking, running, and jumping. The gastrocnemius also aids in flexion of the knee.
The primary function of the triceps surae is to facilitate plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint. This action is essential for pushing the body forward during walking and running. The gastrocnemius also assists in knee flexion due to its attachment above the knee joint.


==Clinical significance==
==Innervation==
Injury to the triceps surae can result in a [[calf strain]], which is a common sports injury. Treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
The triceps surae is innervated by the [[tibial nerve]], which is a branch of the [[sciatic nerve]]. This nerve provides the necessary signals for muscle contraction and coordination.


==See also==
==Blood Supply==
* [[List of muscles of the human body]]
The blood supply to the triceps surae is primarily provided by the [[posterior tibial artery]] and its branches. Adequate blood flow is essential for muscle function and recovery.
 
==Clinical Significance==
Injuries to the triceps surae, such as strains or tears, are common in athletes and can result from overuse or sudden movements. Conditions like [[Achilles tendinitis]] can also affect the function of these muscles.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Gastrocnemius muscle]]
* [[Soleus muscle]]
* [[Achilles tendon]]
* [[Achilles tendon]]
==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Triceps_surae.svg|Diagram of the triceps surae
File:Triceps_surae_by_Majid_Doroudi.webm|Video of triceps surae function
File:Triceps_surae_-_animation.gif|Animation of triceps surae movement
File:Sobo_1909_303.png|Illustration of the gastrocnemius
File:Sobo_1909_304.png|Illustration of the soleus
File:Sobo_1909_579-580.png|Detailed anatomy of the calf muscles
File:Braus_1921_293.png|Historical anatomy illustration
File:Sobo_1909_720.png|Cross-section of the lower leg
</gallery>


==References==
==References==
<references />
* Gray, Henry. ''Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice''. 41st edition. Elsevier.
* Moore, Keith L., et al. ''Clinically Oriented Anatomy''. 7th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.


[[Category:Muscles of the lower limb]]
[[Category:Muscles of the lower limb]]
[[Category:Human anatomy]]
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 00:41, 10 February 2025

Muscle group in the calf of the leg



The triceps surae is a pair of muscles located at the back of the lower leg, commonly referred to as the calf. It is composed of the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle. These muscles are crucial for movements such as walking, running, and jumping.

Anatomy[edit]

The triceps surae is made up of two major muscles:

Gastrocnemius[edit]

The gastrocnemius muscle is the larger and more superficial of the two muscles. It has two heads, the medial and lateral, which originate from the femur. The gastrocnemius crosses both the knee and ankle joints, contributing to its role in knee flexion and plantarflexion of the foot.

Soleus[edit]

The soleus muscle lies beneath the gastrocnemius. It originates from the tibia and fibula and does not cross the knee joint. The soleus is primarily responsible for plantarflexion of the foot and is active during standing and walking.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the triceps surae is to facilitate plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint. This action is essential for pushing the body forward during walking and running. The gastrocnemius also assists in knee flexion due to its attachment above the knee joint.

Innervation[edit]

The triceps surae is innervated by the tibial nerve, which is a branch of the sciatic nerve. This nerve provides the necessary signals for muscle contraction and coordination.

Blood Supply[edit]

The blood supply to the triceps surae is primarily provided by the posterior tibial artery and its branches. Adequate blood flow is essential for muscle function and recovery.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Injuries to the triceps surae, such as strains or tears, are common in athletes and can result from overuse or sudden movements. Conditions like Achilles tendinitis can also affect the function of these muscles.

Related pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  • Gray, Henry. Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 41st edition. Elsevier.
  • Moore, Keith L., et al. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 7th edition. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.