Calf muscle
Calf Muscle
The Calf Muscle (pronunciation: /kaf mʌsl/), also known as the Gastrocnemius, is a large muscle located at the back of the lower leg. It is one of the most important muscles involved in walking, running, and jumping.
Etymology
The term "calf" comes from the Old English cealf, which means "young cow". The term "muscle" comes from the Latin musculus, which means "little mouse", possibly due to the appearance of a flexing muscle. The term "gastrocnemius" is derived from the Greek words gaster, meaning "stomach", and kneme, meaning "leg", referring to the bulging shape of the calf.
Anatomy
The calf muscle is made up of two muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The gastrocnemius is the larger and more superficial of the two, giving the calf its characteristic shape. The soleus is a smaller, flat muscle that lies underneath the gastrocnemius.
Function
The primary function of the calf muscle is to facilitate plantar flexion and flexion of the knee. This means it helps to point the toes and bend the knee, actions that are crucial for movements such as walking, running, and jumping.
Related Terms
- Achilles tendon: The tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
- Shin: The front part of the lower leg, opposite the calf.
- Hamstring: A group of muscles at the back of the thigh, above the calf.
- Quadriceps: A group of muscles at the front of the thigh, above the calf.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Calf muscle
- Wikipedia's article - Calf muscle
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