Gastrocnemius (lateral head)
Musculus gastrocnemius, caput laterale
MuscularSuperficial musclesLegLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- The smaller, shorter head of gastrocnemius, arising from the lateral surface of the lateral femoral condyle and joining the medial head in the calcaneal tendon.
- Function
- Plantarflexes the ankle and flexes the knee.
- Size
- Belly about 15-18 cm long, 4-5 cm wide.
- Clinical note
- A small sesamoid bone, the fabella, is found in its tendon in a minority of people and can be mistaken for a loose body on knee X-rays.