triceps surae muscle triceps surae muscle the triceps surae consists of two muscles located at the calf – the two-headed gastrocnemius and the soleus. these muscles both insert into the calcaneus, the bone of the heel of the human foot, and form the major part of the muscle of the posterior leg, commonly known as the calf muscle. triceps suraeposterior view of the triceps surae.dissection video (1 min 40 s)detailspronunciation/ˈtraɪsɛps ˈsjʊəri/origindistal femur (gastrocnemius), posterior tibia (soleus)insertionachilles tendon, calcaneusarteryposterior tibial arterynervetibial nerveactionsplantarflexionidentifierslatinmusculus triceps suraeta98a04.7.02.043ta22656fma51062anatomical terms of muscle structure the triceps surae is connected to the foot through the achilles tendon, and has 3 heads deriving from the 2 major masses of muscle. the superficial portion (the gastrocnemius) gives off 2 heads attaching to the base of the femur directly above the knee. the deep (profundus) mass of muscle (the soleus) forms the remaining head which attaches to the superior posterior area of the tibia. the triceps surae is innervated by the tibial nerve, specifically, nerve roots l5–s2. function contraction of the triceps surae induce plantar flexion (sagittal plane) and stabilization of the ankle complex in the transverse plane. functional activities include primarily movement in the sagittal plane, stabilization during locomotion (walking, running), restraining the body from falling and power jumping. by controlling the disequilibrium torque, the triceps surae can affect force through the exchange of potential into kinetic energy. clinical significance calf strain (torn calf muscle) a calf strain refers to damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. a premature return before recovery is achieved will result in a prolonged recovery or incomplete return to baseline prior to injury. stretches such as alternating calf raises can improve flexibility as well as mobilize legs before running. calf muscles are a common place for fasciculations. additional images animation. gastrocnemius and soleus are shown in different colors. illustration of the gastrocnemius. illustration of soleus. nerves, arteries and veins surround the gastrocnemius and soleus. cross section of the lower leg, with triceps surae at back (soleus and gastrocnemius) nerves and blood-vessels overlying the triceps surae photograph of the gastrocnemius-soleus junction. etymology and pronunciation the term is pronounced /ˈtraɪsɛps ˈsjʊəri/. it is from latin caput and sura meaning "three-headed of the calf".