MuscleLeg — posterior superficial
Soleus
Latin: M. soleus sinistra
Location: Leg
Paired structure: one on the left and one on the right side of the body.
View the soleus in 3DOrigin
Soleal line of the tibia, posterior tibia, posterior fibula and interosseous membrane.
Insertion
Calcaneus via the Achilles tendon (sharing the gastrocnemius insertion).
Action
Postural plantarflexor rich in slow-twitch fibres — the 'peripheral heart' whose contractions pump venous blood back to the trunk during standing and walking.
Nerve supply
Tibial nerve (S1–S2).
Blood supply
Posterior tibial and peroneal arteries.
Clinical relevance
Soleus muscle strains ache deep in the calf days after hill running; the muscle's venous plexus explains post-surgery DVT prophylaxis with calf-stimulation devices.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.