Gastrocnemius

Gastrocnemius is the largest and most superficial of the calf muscles. Together the Gastrocnemius, Soleus and Plantaris are known as Triceps Surae. The Gastrocnemius is the main propellant in walking and running.

It is made up of two heads: the medial and the lateral. When fully developed, these two heads appear to form a diamond shape.

Anatomy of the Gastrocnemius

The gastrocnemius muscle is antagonist to the tibialis anterior muscle and innervation is by the tibial nerve. It is supplied by the sural arteries.

The gastrocnemius is located with the soleus in the posterior compartment of the leg. It originates from the posterior (back) surfaces of the distal head of the femur.

Its other end forms a common tendon with the soleus muscle; this tendon is known as the calcaneal tendon or Achilles tendon and inserts onto the posterior surface of the calcaneus, or mountain bone.

Functions of the Gastrocnemius

The main function of the gastrocnemius muscle is plantar flexion of the foot as well as knee flexion.

You will use the gastrocnemius muscle every time you stand on tip toe.

Some of the best exercises to strengthen the gastrocnemius muscle include the standing calf raise machine, calf raises and the Gastrocnemius stretch.

The common injuries to the gastrocnemius muscle are the calf strain and Achilles tendinitis. The gastrocnemius muscle is very prone to spasms; the painful, involuntary, contraction of the muscle for up to several minutes. It can also become inflamed due to overuse.

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