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soleus muscle
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The Human Body Illustration of the human muscular system from a side view, showing detailed muscles throughout the body with labels identifying major muscles in the head, torso, arms, and legs. Illustration of the human leg from the front showing major muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the thigh and lower leg, each labeled for anatomical reference. diagram of rigid skeletons worked by muscles Posterior anatomical illustration of the right leg showing muscles and the sciatic nerve branching from the sacral plexus, with labeled nerves, muscles, and tendons throughout the thigh and calf.
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soleus muscle

anatomy
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History

soleus muscle, a flat, broad muscle of the calf of the leg lying just beneath the gastrocnemius muscle. It arises from the upper portions of the tibia and fibula, the bones of the lower leg, and then joins with the gastrocnemius to attach via the Achilles tendon at the heel. Its major action is flexion of the ankle joint, particularly when the leg is bent at the knee, thereby extending the foot downward.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Michele Metych.