Which muscle is a plantar flexor of the foot?

Which muscle is a plantar flexor of the foot?

• A. Tibialis Anterior
• B. Soleus
• C. Extensor Hallucis Longus
• D. Gastrocnemius

Answer: (D)

Plantar flexion moves the sole of the foot downward, like standing on tiptoes. The gastrocnemius is a powerful plantar flexor because it attaches to the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon and contracts to pull the heel upward, pushing the foot downward at the ankle. It also crosses the knee, so it can assist knee flexion when it contracts. The other muscles listed don’t plantar flex the foot: the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus are in the front of the leg and act as dorsiflexors, lifting the foot. The soleus is also a plantar flexor, but gastrocnemius is the primary one highlighted in many contexts, especially when the knee is extended.

Plantar flexion moves the sole of the foot downward, like standing on tiptoes. The gastrocnemius is a powerful plantar flexor because it attaches to the calcaneus via the Achilles tendon and contracts to pull the heel upward, pushing the foot downward at the ankle. It also crosses the knee, so it can assist knee flexion when it contracts. The other muscles listed don’t plantar flex the foot: the tibialis anterior and extensor hallucis longus are in the front of the leg and act as dorsiflexors, lifting the foot. The soleus is also a plantar flexor, but gastrocnemius is the primary one highlighted in many contexts, especially when the knee is extended.