Shank
The Gstrocnemius originates from the distal end of the femur and inserts in the calcaneous (heel bone). It is attached to the calcaneous by the achilles tendon.
After skinning the shank, the Gastrocnemius is located on the posterior side, opposite the Tibialis Anterior and behind the Soleus. |
Gastrocnemius
The Tibialis Aterior is located on the tibia. Originating from the proximal end of the tibia and fibula, it inserts in the second metatarsal.
It is located on the anterior part of the shank, lateral to the Extensor Digitorum Longus. |
Tibialis Anterior
Found between the Tibialis Anterior and the Peroneus Longus, the Extensor Digitorum Longus functions similarly to the extensors of the forelimb. Instead of helping to flex the wrist-like joint it helps extend the digits and flex the ankle.
To find the Extensor Digitorum Longus, skin the shank and see that it is located on the outside or lateral section. |
Extensor Digitorum Longus
The Peroneus Longus is located between the Peroneus Tertius and the Extensor Digitorum Longus on the lateral side of the shank. The Peroneus Longus allows for flexion of the ankle.
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Peroneus Longus
The Peroneus Tertius is located between the Peroneus Longus and the Soleus on the lateral side of the shank. It allows for flexion of the ankle while the knee is flexed.
It is a little deeper than the Peroneus Longus so you might have to dig for it a bit. |
Peroneus Tertius
This muscle is found deep and closely attached to the Gastronemius. On the other side of the Soleus is the Peroneus Tertius.
In order to isolate this muscle you will need to seperate the Soleus from Gastronemius and from the tibial bone by using your blunt probe. |