The triceps musculature of the lower leg

The triceps musculature of the lower leg , m. Triceps surae, consists of the gastrocnemius lying superficially, and the soleus muscle located in front of the gastrocnemius, is closer to the bones of the shin.

Calf muscle, m. Gastrocnemius, is formed by two powerful fleshy heads - medial and lateral. A more powerful medial head, caput mediate, originates from the popliteal surface above the medial condyle of the femur , and the lateral head, caput laterale, is symmetrical to it, but slightly lower, over the lateral condyle of the femur. Under each of the tendons of these heads on the condyles are respectively the medial palpable gastrocnemius sac, bursa subtendinea m. Gastrocnemii medialis, and lateral palpable gastrocnemius sac, bursa subtendinea m. Gastrochemii lateralis. Their primary sections of the head are bounded from below by the popliteal fossa. Heading downwards, both heads are joined together approximately in the middle of the shin, and then pass into the common tendon.

The soleus muscle , m. Soleus, flat, covered with the previous muscle. It starts from the head and upper third of the fibula , as well as from the tibia of the tibia and the middle third of the body of this bone. Part of the muscle bundles starts from the tendon arch of the soleus muscle (stretched between the bones of the shin). Going downwards, the muscle passes into the tendon, which, joining the tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle, forms a powerful Achilles tendon calcineus (Achillis) in the lower third of the shin, attached to the heel of the calcaneus. At the place of attachment, a bag of the heel (Achilles) tendon is distinguished, bursa tendinis calcanei (Achillis). Somewhat lower, between the posterior surface of the calcaneus and the skin, lies a small subcutaneous calcaneus sac, bursa subcutanea calcanea.

Function: the triceps muscle of the lower leg bends the shin in the knee joint , produces the flexion of the foot , raises the heel and, with a fixed foot, pulls the shin and thigh backward.

Innervation: n. Tibialis (LIV-SII).

Blood supply: aa. Tibialis posterior.