Anatomy and Stretching 101
The “Calf Muscles” Part A: Anatomy • The calf muscles are technically known as the “posterior compartment of the leg.” • “The leg” describes the region below the knee. • The posterior compartment of the leg (plantar flexor compartment) is the largest of the three leg compartments. • The posterior compartment and the muscles within it are divided into superficial and deep sub-compartments/muscle groups by the transverse intermuscular septum. The superficial sub-compartment is comprised of the gastrocnemius, the soleus and the plantaris muscles. The gastrocnemius and soleus become tendinous, called the Achilles Tendon and insert onto the posterior surface of the calcaneus, or heel bone. See Image A. IMAGE A