0 a Latin word meaning "of the calf" (= the back part of the leg below the knee), used in medical names and descriptions
The triceps surae consists of the soleus and the two heads of the gastrocnemius.
The triceps surae is the primary plantar flexor and its strength becomes most obvious during ballet dancing.
The main function of the triceps surae is plantar flexion, i.e. to stretch the foot downward.
Though a similarly named muscle, the triceps surae, is found on the lower leg, the triceps brachii is commonly called the triceps.
Some sources also state that the triceps surae and extensor hallucis longus invert.
It is closely connected to the gastrocnemius muscle and some anatomists consider them to be a single muscle, the triceps surae.
In the pes calcaneocavus foot, which is seen primarily following paralysis of the triceps surae due to poliomyelitis, the calcaneus is dorsiflexed and the forefoot is plantarflexed.
