Triceps surae muscle explained

Triceps surae
Latin:musculus triceps surae
Origin:Distal femur (gastrocnemius), posterior tibia (soleus)
Insertion:Achilles tendon, calcaneus
Artery:Posterior tibial artery
Nerve:Tibial nerve
Action:Plantarflexion

The triceps surae consists of two muscles located at the calf – the two-headed 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 posterior leg, commonly known as the calf muscle.

Structure

The triceps surae is connected to the foot through the Achilles tendon, and has three heads deriving from the two major masses of muscle.[1]

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

Function

Contraction of the triceps surae induce plantar flexion (sagittal plane) and stabilization of the ankle complex in the transverse plane. Functional activities include primarily movement in the sagittal plane, stabilization during locomotion (walking, running), restraining the body from falling and power jumping. By controlling the disequilibrium torque, the triceps surae can affect force through the exchange of potential into kinetic energy.[2]

Clinical significance

Calf strain (torn calf muscle)

A calf strain refers to damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons.[3] A premature return before recovery is achieved will result in a prolonged recovery or incomplete return to baseline prior to injury. Stretches such as alternating calf raises can improve flexibility as well as mobilize legs before running.[4]

Calf muscles are a common place for fasciculations.

Etymology and pronunciation

The term is pronounced . It is from Latin caput and sura meaning "three-headed [muscle] of the calf".

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Dixon JB . Gastrocnemius vs. soleus strain: how to differentiate and deal with calf muscle injuries . Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine . 2 . 2 . 74–7 . June 2009 . 19468870 . 2697334 . 10.1007/s12178-009-9045-8 .
  2. Honeine JL, Schieppati M, Gagey O, Do MC . The functional role of the triceps surae muscle during human locomotion . PLOS ONE . 8 . 1 . e52943 . 2013-01-16 . 23341916 . 3547017 . 10.1371/journal.pone.0052943 . free .
  3. Web site: Calf Muscle Tear. physioworks.com.au. 2020-02-09.
  4. News: 7 Pre- and Post-Workout Stretches for Runners – Aaptiv. 2018-05-03. Aaptiv. 2018-06-11 . McCall . Minnor . vanc .