Gastrocnemius Health Dictionary

The name given to the region behind the knee. The muscles attached to the bones immediately above and below the knee bound a diamond-shaped space through which pass the main artery and vein of the limb (known in this part of their course as the popliteal artery and vein); the tibial and common peroneal nerves (which continue the sciatic nerve from the thigh down to the leg); the external saphenous vein; and several small nerves and lymphatic vessels. The muscles – which bound the upper angle of the space and which are attached to the leg bones by strong prominent tendons – are known as the hamstrings. The lower angle of the space lies between the two heads of the gastrocnemius muscle, which makes up the main bulk of the calf of the leg.... popliteal space

A rare condition of unknown cause in which the muscles at the lower end of the oesophagus and the sphincter (valve) between the oesophagus and the stomach fail to relax to let food into the stomach after swallowing. As a result, the lowest part of the oesophagus is narrowed and becomes blocked with food, while the part above widens. Symptoms include difficulty and pain with swallowing and pain in the lower chest and upper abdomen.

A barium swallow (a type of barium X-ray examination) and gastroscopy may be performed to investigate achalasia.

Oesophageal dilatation allows the oesophagus to be widened for long periods. Surgery to cut some of the muscles at the stomach entrance may be necessary. Achilles tendon The tendon that raises the heel. The Achilles tendon is formed from the calf muscles (gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantar muscles) and is attached to the calcaneus (heel-bone). Minor injuries to the Achilles tendon are common and can result in inflammation (tendinitis).

Violent stretching of the tendon can cause it to rupture; in such cases, surgical repair may be necessary.... achalasia

The muscles extending from the back of the knee to the heel.

The gastrocnemius muscle starts behind the knee and forms the bulky part of the calf; under it is the soleus muscle which starts at the back of the tibia (shin).

The 2 muscles join to form the Achilles tendon, which connects them to the heel.

Contraction of the calf muscles pulls the heel up and is important in walking, running, and jumping.

Pain in these muscles occurs because of cramp, sciatica, or, more rarely, deep vein thrombosis.

The calf muscles may be affected by claudication (pain caused by walking and relieved by rest).... calf muscles

the tendon of the muscles of the calf of the leg (the *gastrocnemius and soleus muscles), situated at the back of the ankle and attached to the calcaneus (heel bone).... achilles tendon

n. a broad flat muscle in the calf of the leg, beneath the *gastrocnemius muscle. The soleus flexes the foot, so that the toes point downwards.... soleus