Superficial Muscles of the Posterior Compartment

• Gastrocnemius
  • Bony Attachments:
    • 1. Lateral ridge of femur
          Medial Head: popliteal surface, medial ridge of femur
    • 2. Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon
  • Innervation: Tibial nerve (S1 & S2)
  • Arterial Supply: Posterior tibial artery
  • Action: Plantarflexes foot, assists with knee flexion
• Soleus
  • Bony Attachments:
    • 1. Superior posterior surface of tibia (soleal line), posterior fibular head
    • 2. Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon (achilles)
  • Innervation: Tibial nerve (S1 & S2)
  • Arterial Supply: Posterior tibial artery
  • Action: Plantarflexes foot, stabilizes ankle
• Plantaris
  • Bony Attachments:
    • 1. Lateral supracondylar ridge of femur and oblique popliteal ligament
    • 2. Calcaneus via calcaneal tendon (achilles); its long tendon extends the length of the lower leg
  • Innervation: Tibial nerve (S1 & S2)
  • Arterial Supply: Posterior tibial artery
  • Action: Assists gastrocnemius in plantarflexing the foot