Triceps surae muscle

The triceps surae (from Latin caput and sura. "three-headed calf [muscle]") is a pair of muscles located at the calf - the gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles both insert into the calcaneus, the bone of the heel of the human foot, and form the major part of the muscle of the back part of the lower leg, commonly known as the calf muscle.

Origins and insertion

The triceps surae is connected to the foot through the Achilles tendon, and has 3 heads deriving from the 2 major masses of muscle.

• The superficial portion (the gastrocnemius) gives off 2 heads attaching to the base of the femur directly above the knee.
• The deep (profundis) mass of muscle (the soleus) forms the remaining head which attaches to the superior posterior area of the tibia.

The triceps surae is innervated by the tibial nerve, specifically, nerve roots L5–S2.

Function

Contraction of the triceps surae induce plantar flexion and stabilization of the ankle complex in the transverse plane. Functional activities include primarily movement in the sagittal plane, stabilization during locomotion (walking, running) and power jumping.

Calf strain (torn calf muscle)

A torn calf muscle happens when the calf muscle is pulled apart from the Achilles tendon. Severe pain is felt by the victim and is often but not always accompanied by a "pop."

This injury happens during acceleration or changes in direction. The torn calf muscle may spasm, and contract forcefully. The toes may also point down (Foot drop). Bruises can show up in the leg, foot and ankle due to pooling of blood from internal bleeding. It may take some time for the bruises to occur, from hours to days depending upon where the tear occurred. The circumference of the leg will most certainly increase.

This injury may take several months to heal. It is important not to continue the exercise if muscle is torn, as internal bleeding is taking place. See a doctor immediately after the muscle is torn to begin rehabilitation.

See also

• Gastrocnemius muscle
• Soleus muscle

External links

• triceps surae muscle at eMedicine Dictionary