Soleus muscle

Soleus Muscle

The Soleus Muscle (pronounced: soh-lee-uhs muhs-uhl) is a powerful muscle in the posterior part of the lower leg (the calf). It runs from just below the knee to the heel, and is involved in standing and walking.

Etymology

The name "soleus" is derived from the Latin word "solea", meaning "sandal". This is likely due to the flat shape of the muscle, which resembles the sole of a sandal.

Anatomy

The soleus is located in the superficial posterior compartment of the leg. It originates from the posterior aspects of the head of the fibula and the upper third of its body, and the middle third of the medial border of the tibia. The muscle fibers unite to form a broad tendon, which combines with the gastrocnemius muscle to form the Achilles tendon, inserting onto the posterior surface of the calcaneus.

Function

The soleus muscle is a powerful plantar flexor of the foot. It is primarily responsible for pushing the ground away during walking and running, which is important for propulsion. In addition, it plays a significant role in maintaining standing posture. If the soleus did not function, the body would fall forward.

Related Terms

Gastrocnemius: This is the other major calf muscle, and it works in conjunction with the soleus.
Achilles tendon: This is the tendon into which the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles insert.
Plantar flexion: This is the movement that the soleus muscle primarily facilitates.
Tibia and Fibula: These are the bones of the lower leg, from which the soleus muscle originates.