Soleus

Written by Roxanne Salkeld

Last updated November 6, 2025
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Soleus - Podcast Version

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The soleus is a muscle within the superficial compartment of the posterior leg.

It is a flat muscle located underneath the gastrocnemius, and gets its name from its resemblance to a sole – a flat fish.

  • Attachments: Originates from the soleal line of the tibia and proximal fibula. The muscle converges with the fibres of the gastrocnemius to form the calcaneal tendon, which inserts onto the calcaneus.
  • Actions: Plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint.
  • Innervation: Tibial nerve
  • Blood supply: Posterior tibial artery
Illustration of the superficial layer muscles in the posterior leg, showing the gastrocnemius with part of its body removed to reveal underlying muscles.

Fig 1
The muscles in the superficial layer of the posterior leg. The body of the gastrocnemius has been cut away to expose the underlying musculature.

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