Calcaneus
Muscle Direction Attachment
Gastrocnemius Insertion Calcaneal tubercle through the achilles tendon
Soleus Insertion Calcaneal tubercle through the achilles tendon
Plantaris Insertion Calcaneal tubercle either directly or through the achilles tendon
Extensor digitorum brevis Origin Dorsal side of calcaneus
Abductor hallucis Origin Medial process of calcaneus
Extensor hallucis brevis Origin Dorsal side of calcaneus
Abductor digiti minimi Origin Calcaneal tubercle
Flexor digitorum brevis Origin Calcaneal tubercle
Quadratus plantae Origin Lateral and medial processes of calcaneus
Function
Three muscles insert on the calcaneus : the gastrocnemius , soleus , and plantaris . These muscles are part of the posterior compartment of the leg and aid in walking , running and jumping . Their specific functions include plantarflexion of the foot , flexion of the knee , and steadying the leg on the ankle during standing . The calcaneus also serves as origin for several short muscles that run along the sole of the foot and control the toes . Muscle attachments ( seen from above ) Muscle attachments ( seen from below )
In humans, the calcaneus (; from the Latin calcaneus or calcaneum, meaning heel) or heel bone is a bone of the tarsus of the foot which constitutes the heel. In some other animals, it is the point of the hock.