Achilles tendon
The Achilles tendon or heel cord, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is a tendon at the back of the lower leg, and is the thickest in the human body. It serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius (calf) and soleus muscles to the calcaneus (heel) bone. These muscles, acting via the tendon, cause plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle joint, and (except the soleus) flexion at the knee.
| Achilles tendon | |
|---|---|
The Achilles tendon or calcaneal tendon is attached to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. | |
| Details | |
| Location | Back of the lower leg |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | tendo calcaneus, tendo Achillis |
| MeSH | D000125 |
| TA98 | A04.7.02.048 |
| TA2 | 2662 |
| FMA | 51061 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Abnormalities of the Achilles tendon include inflammation (Achilles tendinitis), degeneration, rupture, and becoming embedded with cholesterol deposits (xanthomas).
The Achilles tendon was named in 1693 after the Greek hero Achilles.
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