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
By TeachMeSeries Ltd (2025)
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.