The plantaris is one of the muscles within the superficial group within the posterior compartment of the leg. The plantaris muscle has a small muscle belly and a long thin tendon which joins the calcaneal tendon.
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
- Inferior aspect of lateral supracondylar line of distal femur
- Oblique popliteal ligament
Insertion
- Calcaneal tendon, to posterior surface of calcaneus
Action
- Plantarflexes foot
- Flexes knee
Innervation
- Tibial nerve; S1,S2
Blood Supply
- Sural arteries
- Popliteal artery branches