Lower Leg muscles

Gastrocnemius / Soleus / Tibialis Posterior / Flexor Digitorum Longus / Flexor Hallucis Longus
/ Peroneus Longus / Peroneal Brevis / Tibialis Anterior / Extensor Digitorum Longus
Gastrocnemius
Gastrocnemius is the largest and most superficial of the calf muscles. Together the Gastrocnemius,
Soleus and Plantaris are known as Triceps Surae. The Gastrocnemius is the main propellant in
walking and running.
Origin

Lower posterior surface of the femur above the medial condyle

Lateral condyle of the femur
Insertion

Posterior surface of the calcaneus via the achilles tendon
Actions

Plantar flexion
Innervation

Tibial nerve
Daily uses

Standing on tip toes
Soleus Muscle
Soleus is a large muscle, deep to Gastrocnemius. Together the Gastrocnemius, Soleus and Plantaris
are known as Triceps Surae. Soleus is used constantly in standing to maintain an upright position.
Origin

Upper half of the posterior surface of the tibia, along the soleal line

Upper third of the posterior fibula
Insertion

Posterior surface of the calcaneus via the achilles tendon
Actions

Plantar flexion
Innervation

Tibial nerve
Daily uses

Standing upright
Tibialis Posterior Muscle
The Tibialis Posterior is the deepest of all the calf muscles. It helps to support the arch of the foot.
Origin

Interosseous membrane (between the tibia and fibula)

Posterior surfaces of the tibia and fibula, adjacent to the interosseous membrane
Insertion

Navicular tuberosity

Cuneiforms

Cuboid

2nd, 3rd, and 4th metatarsals
Actions

Plantarflexion

Inversion
Innervation

Tibial nerve
Daily uses

Pushing down car pedals
Flexor Digitorum Longus
Flexor Digitorum Longus causes the toes to grip and mold to the floors surface which is vital in
maintaining balance on rough surfaces. Walking barefoot on an uneven surface is an excellent
exercise for this muscle.
Origin

Lower 2/3 of the posterior surface of the tibia
Insertion

Plantar (bottom) aspect of the base of the distal (furthest) phalanges of each of the four toes
Actions

Plantarflexion

Inversion

Flexion of the toes
Innervation

Tibial nerve
Daily uses

Gripping with the toes
Flexor Hallucis Longus
Flexor Hallucis Longus bends the big toe when you curl up your foot. It is called 'Hallucis' as the word
Hallux means great toe in latin. This muscle also supports the longitudinal arch of the foot.
Origin

Lower 2/3 of the posterior surface of the fibula
Insertion

Plantar (sole of the foot) aspect of the base of the distal (furthest) phalange of the big toe
Actions

Flexion of the big toe

Inversion

Plantarflexion
Innervation

Tibial nerve
Daily uses

Pusing off the surface in walking
Peroneus Longus
Peroneus Longus is one of the peroneal muscles which pass down the outside of the lower leg and
evert the foot. These muscles are sometimes referred to as fibularis longus, brevis and tertius due to
their attchments on the fibula.
Origin

Head of fibula

Upeer 2/3 of fibula
Insertion

Base of underside of first metatarsal

Undersurfaces of cuneiforms
Actions

Eversion

Plantarflexion
Innervation

Superficial peroneal (fibular) nerve
Daily uses

Walking on uneven surfaces
Peroneus Brevis
Peroneus Brevis is one of the peroneal muscles which pass down the outside of the lower leg and
evert the foot. These muscles are sometimes referred to as Fibularis brevis, longus and tertius due to
their attchments on the fibula.
Origin

Lower 2/3 of the lateral surface of the fibula
Insertion

Base of the 5th metatarsal
Actions

Eversion

Plantarflexion
Innervation

Superficial peroneal (fibular) nerve
Daily uses

Walking on uneven surfaces
Tibialis Anterior
Tibialis anterior forms the main fleshy part of the shin on the front and outside of the shin. It is a
powerful dorsi flexor (lifts the foot up)..
Origin

Upper 1/2 of lateral and anterior surfaces of the tibia
Insertion

Inner surface of the medial cuneiform and 1st metatarsal
Actions

Inversion

Dorsiflexion
Innervation

Deep peroneal nerve
Daily uses

Walking - to lift the foot up and clear the ground
Extensor Digitorum Longus
The Extensor Digtitorum Longus muscle is one of the three dorsi flexors (pulls the foot upwards) of
the foot. It is exercised by trying to walk on the heels.
Origin

Lateral condyle of the tibia

Head and anterior surface of the fibula

Interosseous membrane (between tibia and fibia)
Insertion

Dorsal (top) surface of the middle and end phalanges of the four outer toes.
Actions

Extends toes

Dorsiflexion

Eversion
Innervation

Peroneal (Fibular) nerve
Daily uses

Walking upstairs and making sure the toes clear the steps