View source for Gastrocnemius muscle

{{Infobox Muscle |
  Name         = Gastrocnemius muscle |
  Latin        = |
  GraySubject  = 129 |
  GrayPage     = 482 |
  Image        = Gastrocnemius.png |
  Caption      = |
  Image2       = Gray1240.png |
  Caption2     = Lateral aspect of right leg. |
  Origin       = [[femur]] |
  Insertion    = [[calcaneus]]  |
  Blood        = [[sural arteries]] |
  Nerve        = [[tibial nerve]] from the [[sciatic]], specifically, nerve roots S1–S2 |
  Action       = [[plantarflexion]], [[flexion]] of [[knee]] (minor)  |
  Antagonist   = [[Tibialis anterior muscle]] |
}}
{{CMG}}

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==Overview==
The '''gastrocnemius muscle''' (pronounced {{IPA|/ˌgæs.trɑkˈni.mi.əs/}}) is a powerful superficial [[muscle]] that is in the back part of the lower leg (the calf). It runs from its 2 heads just above the [[knee]] to the [[heel]], and is involved in standing and walking. Along with the [[soleus muscle]] it forms the [[calf muscle]]. 

The gastrocnemius is located with the soleus in the superficial posterior compartment of the leg. It originates from the posterior (back) surfaces of the distal head of the [[femur]]. Its other end forms a common tendon with the [[soleus muscle]]; this tendon is known as the calcaneal tendon or [[Achilles tendon]] and inserts onto the posterior surface of the [[calcaneus]], or heel bone.

Deep to the gastrocnemius (farther from the skin) is the soleus muscle, some anatomists consider both to be a single muscle, the [[triceps surae]]. The [[plantaris]] muscle and a portion of its tendon run between the two muscles, which is involved in "unlocking" the knee from the standing position. On the other side of the fascia are the [[tibialis posterior muscle]], the [[flexor digitorum longus muscle]], and the [[flexor hallucis longus muscle]], along with the [[posterior tibial artery]] and [[posterior tibial vein]] and the tibial nerve. Since the anterior compartment of the leg is lateral to the tibia, the bulge of muscle medial to the [[tibia]] on the anterior side is actually the posterior compartment. The soleus is superficial midshaft of the tibia.

==Additional Information==

The gastrocnemius muscle is very prone to spasms; the painful, involuntarily, contraction of the muscle for up to several minutes. It is commonly known as a "charley horse".

This muscle is prone to injury called torn calf muscle which is disabling. See [[Calf muscle]]
The Gastrocnemius muscle may also become inflamed due to overuse. Anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be necessary.

==Additional images==
<gallery>
 Image:Gray245.png|Right femur. Posterior surface.
 Image:Gray440.png|Cross-section through middle of leg. 
 Image:Gray1239.png|Back of left lower extremity.
</gallery>

==External links==
* {{GPnotebook|-275120049}}
* {{MuscleLoyola|gast}}
* {{SUNYAnatomyLabs|14|st|04|05}}
* {{DartmouthAnatomy|knee/surface/surface4}}

{{Muscles of lower limb}}
[[Category:Calf muscles]]
[[Category:Anatomy]]
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[[de:Musculus gastrocnemius]]
[[es:Gemelo (músculo)]]
[[eo:Suro]]
[[it:Gastrocnemio]]
[[he:שריר הסובך]]
[[nl:Musculus gastrocnemius]]
[[ja:腓腹筋]]
[[fi:Pohjelihas]]
[[sv:Gastrocnemius]]


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