# What is the soleus?

The deep calf muscle is called the soleus. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a broad, flat muscle lying beneath the gastrocnemius.

## What it means

- A broad, flat muscle lying beneath the gastrocnemius.
- Named after its resemblance to a sole fish.
- Points the foot downward and is essential for standing.

## Action steps

1. On the back of the leg, deep to the gastrocnemius.
2. Arises from the tibia and fibula.
3. Joins the gastrocnemius to form the Achilles tendon.

## Sources

- [Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body (1918)](https://www.bartleby.com/107/)

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