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    Related Topics

    From Musculoskeletal System

    Buccinator
    Muscle that helps with chewing and blowing air out.
    Gluteus Maximus
    Largest muscle in the buttocks responsible for hip extension.
    Abductor Digiti Minimi Muscle
    The abductor digiti minimi muscle is a hypothenar muscle that abducts and flexes the little finger, aiding grip and precision in hand movements.
    Coccyx
    Tailbone, the remnant of the tail in humans.
    Acetabulum
    The acetabulum is the pelvic socket that connects with the femoral head to form the hip joint, vital for stability, movement, and weight-bearing.
    Sacrum
    Triangular bone at the base of the spine.
    Fibula
    Smaller bone in the lower leg, located alongside the tibia.
    Sternum
    Breastbone located in the center of the chest.
    Thoracic Vertebrae (T1 - T12)
    Vertebrae in the upper and mid-back (T1-T12).
    Humerus
    Upper arm bone connecting the shoulder to the elbow.
    Temporal Bones
    Bones forming the lower sides of the skull and housing the ears.
    Annular Ligament
    The annular ligament is a strong fibrous band encircling the head of the radius, stabilizing the proximal radioulnar joint and allowing smooth rotation of the forearm.
    Lacrimal Bones
    Bones forming part of the eye socket and housing the tear ducts.
    Ellipsoidal (Condyloid) Joints
    e.g., wrist
    Diaphragm
    Primary muscle for breathing.
    Mandible
    Lower jawbone that houses the teeth.
    Facial Bones
    Bones forming the structure of the face.
    Radius
    Forearm bone on the thumb side.
    Biceps Brachii
    Muscle responsible for elbow flexion.
    Femur
    Thigh bone, the longest and strongest bone in the body.
    Pubis
    Part of the pelvis that joins with the opposite side to form the pubic symphysis.
    Scapula
    Shoulder blade providing attachment for muscles of the upper limb.
    Metacarpals (5 bones)
    5 bones forming the palm of the hand.
    Brachioradialis
    Muscle responsible for forearm flexion.
    Occipital Bone
    Bone forming the back and base of the skull.

    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 largest muscle in the body is the gluteus maximus, responsible for hip extension.