What are different types of calf muscle?

calf muscles or triceps surae consist of three separate muscles in the back of each lower leg: gastrocnemius muscle, muscles of soleus and plantaris. The gastrocnemius muscle lifts the heel when the knee is in a widespread, straight position and is mainly used for walking and running. The primary function of Soleus Muscle is the bending of the ankle of the joint that extends the leg down when the knee is in a bent position and balances the leg on top of the foot when the body is in an upright position. Plantaris muscle works with the gastrocnemius muscle to extend the ankle when the leg is in a raised position or bends the knee when the leg is in a firm position.

The connective tissue of the three calf muscles is combined to form Achilles tendon that connects to the muscles with each leg. The calf muscles are very strong and used to bend ankle and knees, muscle movements that are obliged to walk, run, stand and jump. When walking, lift the heel from the ground and support the body on the raised leg so that the opposite leg can turn forward.

Gastrocnemius muscle is the largest and highest of the three calf muscles. It comes from behind the knee on the femur and reaches to the heel. The gastrocnemius muscle is prone to involuntary night cramps or convulsions that are usually referred to as Charley horses. These involuntary, painful contractions of the gastrocnemius muscle usually occur either on the verge of sleep or alertness, and can last anywhere from a few seconds.

Soleus muscle is a wide, flat calf muscle that is immediately in front of the gastrocnemius muscle. It helps the body balance on the feet and prevents it from overturning. The Soleus muscle is also referred to as a skeletal trunk pump because it is responsible for drawing the venous bloodthole back to the heart.

Plantaris muscle is a superficial calf muscles that are not considered vital for motor function, and are not in 7-10 percent of the population. Is if present is the plantaris muscle placed between the muscle GAStrocenemius and Soleus muscle. The muscle function of the calf muscle is considered to be minimal significance, but the muscle of plantaris suffers damage when the Achilles tendon is cracked.