Dominic Stone
The plantaris muscle is a long, thin muscle that extends behind the knee and into the calf of the posterior leg. It is one of the most superficial muscles within the superficial posterior compartment of the leg and is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve in the sacral plexus. The plantaris tendon is the longest tendon in the human body, measuring between 30-45 centimetres in length, while the muscle itself is only 5-10 centimetres long. The plantaris muscle is involved in weak plantar flexion of the ankle joint and flexion of the knee joint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Posterior compartment of the leg |
| Composition | Thin muscle belly and a long, thin tendon |
| Tendon Length | 30-45 cm |
| Muscle Length | 5-10 cm |
| Muscle Absent in | 8-12% of the population |
| Innervation | Tibial nerve |
| Blood Supply | Popliteal artery |
| Function | Weakly plantar flexes the ankle joint and flexes the knee joint |
| Injury | Rupture of the plantaris muscle |
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What You'll Learn
- The plantaris muscle is located in the posterior compartment of the leg.
- It is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve
- The plantaris tendon is the longest tendon in the human body
- The muscle is associated with a condition known as tennis leg
- It is considered a vestigial muscle, absent in a small percentage of the population
The plantaris muscle is located in the posterior compartment of the leg.
The plantaris muscle is a small, fusiform muscle located in the posterior compartment of the leg. It is one of the most superficial muscles within the posterior compartment, with only the gastrocnemius muscle lying superficial to it. The plantaris muscle is located between the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, with the soleus being situated deeper in the leg.
The plantaris muscle is composed of a thin muscle belly and a long, thin tendon. The muscle belly is variable in thickness and length, and the tendon is the longest in the human body, typically measuring between 30 and 45 centimetres in length. The muscle as a whole is approximately 5 to 10 centimetres long and is absent in 8 to 12% of the population.
The plantaris muscle originates from the inferior end of the lateral supracondylar line of the femur, just above the lateral head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Its tendon travels along the medial border of the gastrocnemius and inserts onto the posterior surface of the calcaneus, or heel bone. The tendon is so thin that it is often mistaken for a nerve by medical students during dissections, earning it the nickname "freshman's nerve".
The plantaris muscle is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve in the sacral plexus. It receives blood from the popliteal artery, with the lateral sural artery supplying its superficial surface and the superior lateral genicular artery supplying its deep surface. The plantaris muscle acts with the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to support movements of the knee and ankle, although its motor function is considered minimal.
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It is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve
The plantaris muscle is located in the posterior compartment of the leg. It is one of the superficial muscles and is composed of a thin muscle belly and a long, thin tendon. The plantaris tendon is the longest tendon in the human body. The muscle is also one of the plantar flexors in the posterior compartment of the leg.
The plantaris muscle is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve. The tibial nerve arises from the S1 and S2 spinal nerves and provides innervation to the muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg. It is one of the two main terminal branches of the sciatic nerve, the other being the common fibular nerve.
The tibial nerve descends from the popliteal fossa into the posterior compartment of the leg. It passes deep to the fibular and tibial heads of the soleus muscle and runs vertically through the deep layer of the posterior compartment of the leg. The nerve exits the posterior compartment of the leg at the ankle joint, passing behind the medial malleolus to enter the sole of the foot.
The tibial nerve provides innervation to the surrounding muscles and supplies most of the intrinsic muscles and skin of the foot. It also gives rise to articular branches that provide innervation to the knee joint, superior and inferior tibiofibular joints, and the ankle joint. In the leg, the tibial nerve also gives rise to two cutaneous branches: the sural nerve and the medial calcaneal nerve.
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The plantaris tendon is the longest tendon in the human body
The plantaris muscle is a small, fusiform muscle located in the superficial posterior compartment of the leg. It is one of the plantar flexors in the posterior compartment of the leg, along with the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The plantaris tendon, which tends to be between 30 and 45 centimetres (12 and 18 inches) in length, is the longest tendon in the human body.
The plantaris muscle is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve in the sacral plexus. The tibial nerve arises from the S1 and S2 spinal nerves. The muscle arises from the inferior part of the lateral supracondylar ridge of the femur at a position slightly superior to the origin of the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. The attachment often extends onto the oblique popliteal ligament. Its tendon then travels inferomedially along the medial border of the gastrocnemius.
The plantaris muscle is considered to have become an unimportant muscle when human ancestors switched from climbing trees to bipedalism. In anatomically modern humans, it mainly acts with the gastrocnemius to weakly plantar flex the ankle joint and flex the knee joint. The muscle may also provide proprioceptive feedback information to the central nervous system regarding the position of the foot. Its motor function is so minimal that its long tendon can be harvested for reconstruction elsewhere with little functional deficit.
The plantaris muscle is associated with a common injury called tennis leg. However, recent ultrasound research has shown that tennis leg more commonly arises from tears in the musculotendinous junction of the medial gastrocnemius. Symptoms of a plantaris muscle rupture may include an audible popping sound in the area during physical activity, swelling, pain in the back of the lower leg, and persistent soreness.
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The muscle is associated with a condition known as tennis leg
The plantar muscle, also known as the plantaris muscle, is a small muscle with a short belly and a long, thin tendon. It is located in the posterior compartment of the leg, extending behind the knee and into the sural region (calf). The plantaris muscle is one of the most superficial muscles in the leg, with only the gastrocnemius muscle lying over it.
The plantaris muscle is associated with a condition known as tennis leg, a sports-associated injury commonly affecting athletes who play tennis, basketball, or soccer. Tennis leg was first described in 1883 by Powell, who attributed the condition to the rupture of the plantaris tendon. However, the exact cause of tennis leg has been a subject of debate for many years, with some researchers arguing that isolated rupture of the plantaris muscle is not the primary cause.
Recent studies using MR imaging, sonography, and surgical exploration have confirmed that injuries to the plantaris muscle can occur in isolation or in combination with tears in the gastrocnemius, soleus, and ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). Rupture of the plantaris tendon typically results in a "'snapping'" sensation that can be felt and heard by the patient. Other symptoms of a plantaris muscle rupture may include an audible popping sound during physical activity, swelling, pain in the back of the lower leg, and persistent soreness.
Conservative therapy is often recommended as a treatment option for tennis leg, and permanent disability is rare. It is important to note that deep vein thrombosis can sometimes present similar clinical findings to tennis leg, so proper imaging techniques, such as MR imaging and ultrasonography, are crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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It is considered a vestigial muscle, absent in a small percentage of the population
The plantar muscle, or plantaris muscle, is a small muscle with a short belly and a long, thin tendon. It is located in the posterior compartment of the leg, extending behind the knee and into the calf. The plantaris muscle is considered a vestigial muscle, meaning it is a remnant of a previously useful organ that has since lost most of its functionality.
The plantaris muscle is one of the superficial muscles of the leg, and it arises from the inferior part of the lateral supracondylar ridge of the femur. It acts to weakly plantar flex the ankle joint and flex the knee joint. The muscle is innervated by the tibial nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, and receives blood supply from the popliteal artery. Its motor function is minimal, and it is often mistaken for a nerve by new medical students, earning it the nickname "freshman's nerve".
The plantaris muscle is absent in a small percentage of the population, with estimates ranging from 8% to 12% of people lacking the muscle. This variability in anatomy has been noted since at least 1875, when Macalister observed its inconsistent presence and highly variable morphology. The muscle's status as vestigial is supported by its small size and seemingly minor contribution to the two larger muscles it is associated with, the soleus and gastrocnemius. Together, these three muscles form the triceps surae, which plantarflexes the foot through the Achilles tendon.
However, some studies argue against classifying the plantaris muscle as vestigial, as it has been found to serve a proprioceptive function, providing a kinesthetic sense of limb position and muscle contraction. Additionally, its tendon has clinical significance due to its length and tensile strength, making it useful for reconstruction in other parts of the body.
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Frequently asked questions
The plantaris muscle is a small muscle with a short belly and a long, slender tendon. It is located in the posterior compartment of the leg, along with the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, forming the Triceps Surae.
The plantaris muscle acts to weakly plantar flex the ankle joint and flex the knee joint. It may also provide proprioceptive feedback to the central nervous system regarding the position of the foot.
The plantaris muscle receives blood from the popliteal artery, specifically the lateral sural artery, a branch of the popliteal artery.
The plantaris muscle is innervated by the tibial nerve, which is a branch of the sciatic nerve.
Common injuries associated with the plantaris muscle include strains and ruptures, often occurring from sports activities that require quick foot movements, such as tennis, basketball, and soccer. Symptoms of a plantaris muscle injury may include an audible popping sound, swelling, pain, and persistent soreness in the back of the lower leg.
