gastrocnemius

American  

[gas-trok-nee-mee-uhs, gas-truh-nee-] / ˌgæs trɒkˈni mi əs, ˌgæs trəˈni- /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• gastrocnemial adjective
• gastrocnemian adjective

Etymology

Origin of gastrocnemius

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

Compare meaning

How does gastrocnemius compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• soleus vs. gastrocnemius

Example Sentences

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

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2024

The soleus and gastrocnemius muscles in the calf act in opposition to the tibialis anterior, pointing the foot downward.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2024

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

From Scientific American • Jun. 28, 2023

An inhibitory interneuron, activated by a collateral branch of the nociceptor fiber, will inhibit the motor neurons of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to cancel plantar flexion.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

The insertion is at the point of origin of the pars media of the m. gastrocnemius on the posteromedial surface of the proximal end of the internal condyle of the femur.

From Myology and Serology of the Avian Family Fringillidae A Taxonomic Study by Stallcup, William B.