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Plantaris

Contents

Anatomy

 

Plantaris - posterior view
Plantaris - lateral view

Position

  • Mainly superficial

Insertion

  • Lateral condyle femur
  • Supracondylar line femur
    • Distal and lateral aspect

Insertion

  • Calcaneus
    • Posterior surface

Main function

  • Ankle
    • Plantarflexion
  • Knee
    • Flexion

Nerve innervation

  • Segmental
    • S1-S2
  • Peripheral
    • Tibial nerve

Arterial supply

  • Popliteal artery sural branch

Palpation

  • Patient position
    • Prone with full extension of the knee
  • Place your hand on the posterior aspect of the knee joint and feel medially towards the insertion of biceps femoris and the lateral head of gastrocnemius
  • Feel for contraction in the muscle while you ask the patient to plantarflex the ankle and flex the knee