Calves
Calves
Calves (/kævz/), in a medical context, refers to the fleshy part at the back of a human's lower leg. The term is derived from the Old English cealf, which has the same meaning.
Anatomy
The calf is primarily made up of two muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles join at the Achilles tendon, which attaches to the heel bone. The gastrocnemius, which is the larger and more superficial of the two muscles, gives the calf its characteristic rounded shape. The soleus, located underneath the gastrocnemius, is a flatter muscle that contributes to the function of the calf.
Function
The primary function of the calves is to facilitate movement. They play a crucial role in actions such as walking, running, and jumping by helping to lift the heel off the ground. The calves also assist in maintaining balance while standing.
Related Terms
- Gastrocnemius: The larger, superficial muscle of the calf.
- Soleus: The smaller, deeper muscle of the calf.
- Achilles tendon: The tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
- Heel bone: The bone at the back of the foot to which the Achilles tendon attaches.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calves
- Wikipedia's article - Calves
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