Calf muscles

The calf is not one big muscle. It consists of two main muscles – the Gastrocnemius and the Soleus. As they contract, they create plantar flexion, enabling heel lifting for walking or jumping.

Both of these muscles insert into the foot via the same tendon. However, while the Soleus originates from the tibia, the Gastrocnemius originates from the Femur. That means the Gastrocnemius also participates in flexing the knee.

When the knee is flexed, plantar flexion attributes of the Gastrocnemius are minimal, making the Soleus the primary muscle responsible for plantar flexion. https://anatomy4sculptors.com/