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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Adductors
    Muscles that bring the thighs toward the midline.
    Triceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow extension.
    Phalanges (14 bones)
    14 bones forming the toes.
    Zygomatic Bones
    Cheekbones that form part of the orbit.
    Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
    Knee ligament that stabilizes the joint.
    Rotator Cuff Muscles
    Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor, Subscapularis.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Synchondroses
    Cartilaginous joints where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage.
    Tarsals (7 bones)
    7 ankle bones.
    Ischium
    Part of the pelvis that supports weight while sitting.
    Gastrocnemius
    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.
    Inferior Nasal Conchae
    Bones inside the nasal cavity that filter and humidify air.
    Thoracic Cage
    Ribs and sternum forming the protective cage for the heart and lungs.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Clavicle
    Collarbone connecting the arm to the body.
    Glenohumeral Ligaments
    Shoulder ligaments that stabilize the shoulder joint.
    Coccygeus
    Pelvic floor muscle supporting the coccyx.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Acromioclavicular Ligament
    Ligament that connects the acromion to the clavicle.
    Hyoid Bone
    U-shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue.
    Obliques (External and Internal)
    Muscles responsible for torso rotation.
    Trapezius
    Muscle responsible for moving, rotating, and stabilizing the scapula.

    Soleus

    Reviewed by our medical team

    Calf muscle responsible for plantarflexion of the foot.

    1. Overview

    The soleus is a broad, powerful muscle located in the posterior compartment of the leg. It lies deep to the gastrocnemius muscle and, along with it, forms the calf. The soleus plays a key role in plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint and is essential for posture, balance, and locomotion, especially during standing and walking.

    2. Location

    The soleus is located in the posterior (superficial) compartment of the leg:

    • Proximally: Originates from the posterior surface of the tibia and fibula.

    • Distally: Joins with the gastrocnemius to insert via the calcaneal (Achilles) tendon onto the calcaneus (heel bone).

    • Deep to: The gastrocnemius muscle.

    3. Structure

    The soleus is a flat, multipennate muscle with a broad origin:

    • Origin:

      • Posterior surface of the proximal tibia (soleal line).

      • Head and upper third of the fibula.

      • Interosseous membrane between the tibia and fibula.

    • Insertion: Posterior surface of the calcaneus via the common Achilles tendon.

    • Innervation: Tibial nerve (S1–S2).

    • Blood supply: Branches from the posterior tibial artery and peroneal artery.

    4. Function

    The soleus is a key contributor to movement and stability:

    • Plantarflexion: Extends the foot downward at the ankle joint, especially during slow or sustained movement (e.g., standing, walking uphill).

    • Postural support: Prevents the body from falling forward by counteracting gravity during standing.

    • Supports venous return: Acts as a "muscle pump" to aid blood return from the lower limbs to the heart.

    5. Physiological role(s)

    Beyond movement, the soleus plays vital roles in systemic function:

    • Maintains upright posture: Constantly active in quiet standing to resist forward sway.

    • Endurance muscle: Rich in slow-twitch (type I) muscle fibers, making it highly fatigue-resistant and suited for long-term, low-intensity activity.

    • Assists in gait: Works with the gastrocnemius to propel the body forward during the push-off phase of walking and running.

    • Circulatory support: Helps prevent venous pooling in the lower limbs, reducing risk of edema and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

    6. Clinical Significance

    The soleus muscle is involved in several musculoskeletal and vascular conditions:

    • Calf strain or "tennis leg":

      • Injury may involve the soleus, particularly in athletes or individuals performing repetitive movements.

    • Achilles tendinopathy:

      • Chronic stress from the soleus can contribute to inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon.

    • Compartment syndrome:

      • Swelling of the soleus within the posterior compartment may increase pressure and compromise blood flow, requiring emergency treatment.

    • Venous thromboembolism (VTE):

      • Immobility can impair the soleus pump, increasing risk of deep vein thrombosis, particularly in hospitalized or sedentary patients.

    • Rehabilitation importance:

      • Often targeted in strengthening and stretching programs for conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, and Achilles injuries.

    Did you know? The femur is the longest and strongest bone in the human body.