Soleus
Musculus soleus
MuscularDeep musclesLegLeft and right
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- What it is
- Broad flat muscle deep to gastrocnemius, named after the sole fish. It arises from the back of the fibular head and upper fibula, the soleal line of the tibia and a tendinous arch between them, and joins the calcaneal tendon; its fleshy fibres reach almost to the ankle and bulge on both sides of the tendon.
- Function
- Plantarflexes the ankle; a tireless postural muscle that stops the body toppling forward at the ankle while standing.
- Size
- About 30 cm long, 8-9 cm wide.
- Clinical note
- Its large venous sinuses are emptied by contraction - the "calf muscle pump" or second heart; calf immobility is a major risk factor for deep vein thrombosis.