Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 20 November 2022

The soleus is one of the muscles within the superficial group within the posterior compartment of the leg. The soleus muscle is a large flat muscle which lies immediately deep to the gastrocnemius muscle.

The leg is comprised of anterior, lateral and posterior compartments. The posterior (flexor) compartment consists of two groups of muscles: a superficial group and a deep group, which are separated by a deep fascial layer.

Muscles of the superficial group within the posterior compartment of the leg

Muscles of the deep group within the posterior compartment of the leg

Origin

  • Tibia: Soleal line and middle third of posterior border of tibia
  • Fibula: Upper quarter of posterior shaft of fibula head, neck and proximal fibula shaft
  • Tendinous arch between tibia and fibula

Insertion

  • Calcaneal tendon, to posterior surface of calcaneus

Action

  • Plantarflexes the foot

Innervation

  • Tibial nerve: S1, S2

Blood Supply

  • Posterior tibial
  • Peroneal
  • Sural arteries