Question

‘Gastrocnemius’ are muscle found in which of the following body parts?
A. Forelimbs
B. Thigh
C. Calf
D. Abdomen

Answer 1

Hint: The muscles are the important part of the body that involve in the movement of the body. There are many muscles found in the legs that help in walking. The gastrocnemius muscle is also involved in movement of the leg.

Complete Answer:
- The gastrocnemius muscle is found on the back part of the lower leg and it is one of the major muscles that make up the calf. The other important calf muscle is the soleus muscle that is a flat muscle that is present underneath the gastrocnemius.
- Both the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles run the entire length of the lower leg, at the heel, and connect behind the knee. There is a third muscle named as plantaris muscle that extends two-to-four inches down from the knee and present between the other two muscles.
- So, the gastrocnemius branches at the top behind the knees; medial and lateral heads are the two branches of the gastrocnemius muscle. The flexing of this muscle during bending of the knee and walking that creates traction on the femur, in the lower leg, involves pulling towards the tibia and causing the knee to bend.
- Both the muscles; soleus and gastrocnemius join into the Achilles tendon and it is the strongest and thickest tendon of the human body. The tendon forms six inches above the heel running down the centre that connects to the heel below the ankle.

Thus, the correct option is ‘C’. Calf.

Note: The gastrocnemius muscle tear is severe injury to the calf muscle. This muscle helps flex the lower leg and helps us to do quick movement like sprinting and jumping. The tear of these muscles causes severe pain and swelling of the calf muscle.