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There are many
small muscles in the lower leg, the three largest contract to flex and
extend the foot. The first of these is the long thin one which runs down
the shins, called the tibialis anticus, which contracts to flex the toes
towards the knee.
On the back of your leg
there is a long broad muscle connecting the lower part of the upper leg
with the end of the heel called the gastrocnemius. This flexes to extend
the toes when the leg is straight, as well as to flex the entire leg, such
as in the leg curl.
Beneath the gastrocnemius
is a shorter and flatter muscle called the soleus, which connects the
upper part of your shin bone with your heel. This muscle can only be
contracted completely when your gastrocnemius is not involved, as is the
case when your leg is bent at 90 degress. The only successful movement
therefore to develop this muscle is the seated calf raise. |
