Gastrocnemic muscles | Magicfit

Gastrocnemic muscles: definition and importance

Gastrocnemic muscle It is one of the most visible and most important muscles of the leg, often associated with the athletic silhouette of the calves. In fact, this muscle plays a fundamental role in our daily mobility.

In this article, we will explore its definition, its anatomy, its functions, its role in the context of physical activity, as well as its importance for our daily life and our global health.

What is the gastrocnemic muscle?

The gastrocnemic muscle is a superficial muscle located in the back of the leg, more precisely in the veal region. With the lonely muscle, it constitutes the triceps Sural, which is essential for the foot flexion of the foot.

This muscle consists of two chefs: the medial garment and the side garment, each of which takes its origin at the level of the femur, just above the knee. Their anatomical arrangement allows them to play a crucial role in the movement of the leg.

Muscle anatomy gastrocnemia

• Origin : The two garments of gastrocnemians are born on the femoral condanys, which allows them to cross both the knee and the ankle. This means that the muscle is involved not only in the movements of the ankle, but also in those of the knee.
• Inclusion : The two garments meet to form the Achille tendon, which adapts to the heel (heel bone). This tendon is the strongest of the human body and is essential for powerful movements such as jump.
• Innervation : This muscle is innervated by the tibial nerve, which is a branch of the sciatic nerve. This innervation plays a key role in the coordination of movements.

Gastrocnemian muscle functions

The Gastrocnemian carries out several essential roles in the body:

1. Footrest : This is the main function of gastrocnemia, which allows you to point the toes on the ground. This action is crucial during the walk, the races and the jump, because it accelerates the movement and pushing the body forward.
2. Folding of the knee : Since it also crosses the knee joint, it contributes to its flexion. This is particularly important during movements such as the squat or the rise of the stairs, where an effective flexion of the knee is needed.
3. Stability : Gastrocnemium helps to stabilize the body during dynamic movements, keeping balance. This is particularly important in sport such as basketball or football, where rapid management changes are frequent.
4. Shock absorption : During the race or jumps, gastrocnemium also plays a role in the absorption of shock, helping to protect the joints from repeated impacts.

Importance in daily life

Gastrocnemic muscle is fundamental for many daily activities. Whether it’s walking, climbing the stairs, running or even getting up with a chair, it is required permanently. A strong and flexible gastrocneemium can prevent injuries, such as ankle sprains or Achilles tendon pain, and improve sports performance.

In addition, good muscle health, including that of gastrocnemia, contributes to better blood circulation and the regulation of the metabolism, which is essential to maintain a healthy weight. Destination exercises to this muscle can also improve the physical appearance of the calves, which is often a goal for those who practice bodybuilding or fitness.

Exercises to strengthen the gastrocnemic muscle

To maintain the strength and flexibility of the gastrocnemic muscle, it is essential to incorporate specific exercises into the driving routine. Here are some examples:

• Heels : Standing, on a walk or a raised surface, get up on tiptoe and then go down. Repeat this exercise several times to work gastrocnemians.
• Jumps : Practice jumps, whether vertical jumps or rope jumps, strongly solicit this muscle by improving your agility.
• Elongation : Do not neglect the importance of lengthening the gastrocnemium after training. A simple stretch by pressing against a wall keeping a rear leg of the curtain will release the tensions accumulated in the muscle and will improve its flexibility.