| The Gastrocnemius muscles are
a pair of muscles located in each of the lower-legs of the human body.
In each case, the gastrocnemius muscle forms much of the calf of the
leg.
To test your knowledge: look at the image opposite and
decide which muscle(s) you think are the gastrocnemius
muscles, then click on the image to check
if
you were correct - and for the labels of all the other muscles illustrated.
Further information about the gastrocnemius is
summarised below:
Point(s) of Origin: |
Posterior, medial and lateral femoral condyles. |
Point(s) of Insertion: |
Via Achilles tendon to posterior calcaneum. |
Action(s): |
Plantarflexes the foot (causing the toes to point downwards)
and flexes the knee. |
This may be particularly interesting study/revision material for students
following courses in Massage, Reflexology and
similar courses because these generally require a good basic
knowledge of the muscular structures
of the arms, legs, hands and feet.
|