| Origin | Head of fibula & posterior surface of fibula Soleal line & medial border of tibia |
| Insertion | Posterior surface of the calcaneus via the calcaneal tendon |
| Action | Plantarflexes foot at ankle joint |
| Nerve | Tibial nerve (S1- S2) |
| Artery | Popliteal artery Fibular artery Posterior tibial artery |
Location & Overview
The soleus muscle is a muscle of the posterior lower leg. It is large and flat located deep to the gastrocnemius muscle. It is one of the duo of muscles referred to as the ‘calf muscles’. The official anatomical term for the calf muscles is the ‘triceps surae’. The triceps surae is comprised of the gastrocnemius muscle and of course the soleus muscle. Some people also consider the plantaris muscle as part of the calf muscles. The muscle bellies of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscle merge together to form the calcaneal tendon (i.e. the achilles tendon) as they approach the foot [1] [2].
Here we can see pictured the soleus muscle in isolation.
Origin & Insertion
The soleus muscle originates from the head of fibula, posterior surface of fibula, soleal line, and the medial border of tibia. As the soleus passes distally down the lower leg it merges with the gastrocnemius muscle to form the calcaneal tendon which is also known as the Achilles tendon. It then inserts on the posterior surface of the calcaneus via this calcaneal tendon [3] [4] [5].
Here we can see the origin of the soleus muscle highlighted in red. The soleus originates from the head of fibula, posterior surface of fibula, soleal line of the tibia and the medial border of tibia.
Here we can see the insertion of the soleus muscle highlighted in blue. The soleus inserts on the posterior surface of the calcaneus via the calcaneal tendon (also known as the Achilles tendon).
Actions
The soleus muscle is able to cause plantarflexion at the ankle joint. Plantarflexion involves extending the ankle joint (hinging the ankle joint away from the body or going onto your tip toes). The soleus works together with the other calf muscles in activities like running and jumping where [6] [7] [8].
Innervation
The soleus muscle is innervated by the tibial nerve (S1- S2). This nerve is the larger branch of the sciatic nerve which divides into the tibial nerve. It also provides innervation for other muscles of the posterior lower leg compartment (e.g the gastrocnemius and the plantaris) [9].
Blood Supply
Blood is supplied to the soleus muscle via the popliteal, fibular and posterior tibial arteries [10].
Want some flashcards to help you remember this information? Then click the link below:
Soleus Flashcards
References
| ↑1, ↑5, ↑8, ↑9 | Binstead JT, Munjal A, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Calf. [Updated 2021 Jun 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459362/ |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | Kimura N, Kato K, Anetai H, Kawasaki Y, Miyaki T, Kudoh H, Sakai T, Ichimura K. Anatomical study of the soleus: Application to improved imaging diagnoses. Clin Anat. 2021 Oct;34(7):991-1001. doi: 10.1002/ca.23667. Epub 2020 Sep 2. PMID: 32783229. |
| ↑3, ↑6 | Mostafa E, Graefe S, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb, Leg Posterior Compartment. [Updated 2021 Jun 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537340/ |
| ↑4, ↑7 | Moore KL, Agur AMR, Dalley AF. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincot Williams & Wilkins; 2017. |
| ↑10 | Fathi M, Hassanzad Azar M, Arab Kheradmand A, Shahidi S. Anatomy of arterial supply of the soleus muscle. Acta Med Iran. 2011;49(4):237-40. PMID: 21713734. |
