gastrocnemius

[gas-trok-nee-mee-uhs, gas-truh-nee-]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

gastrocnemii 

1. the largest muscle in the calf of the leg, the action of which extends the foot, raises the heel, and assists in bending the knee.

Other Word Forms

• gastrocnemial adjective
• gastrocnemian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gastrocnemius¹

1670–80; < New Latin < Greek gastroknēm ( ía ) calf of the leg + Latin -ius noun suffix

Example Sentences

The gastrocnemius increased in stiffness, indicating it might take over most of the function of the calf.

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To make this gouge, the cutter must have first removed the larger gastrocnemius muscle — likely a good source of meat.

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“They took it all the way down to the Achilles,” threading their way and removing necrotic tissue between the soleus and the gastrocnemius muscles.

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If the leg is chosen, the point of junction of the two heads of the gastrocnemius is an eligible situation.

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It arises above from the external tuberosity of the tibia, and terminates below in a tendon which is united with that of the gastrocnemius.

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