| Calf | |
|---|---|
 The calf is the back portion of the lower leg | |
 Cross-section of lower right leg, through the calf, showing its 4 compartments:anterior at upper right;lateral at center right;deep posterior at center;superficial posterior at the bottom | |
| Details | |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | sura |
| Greek | acfle |
| TA98 | A01.1.00.039 |
| TA2 | 164 |
| FMA | 22474 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Thecalf (pl.:calves;Latin:sura) is the back portion of the lower leg inhuman anatomy.[1] The muscles within the calf correspond to theposterior compartment of the leg. The two largest muscles within this compartment are known together as thecalf muscle and attach to theheel via theAchilles tendon. Several other, smaller muscles attach to theknee, theankle, and via longtendons to thetoes.
FromMiddle Englishcalf,kalf, fromOld Norsekalfi, possibly derived from the same Germanic root as Englishcalf ("young cow"). Cognate withIcelandickálfi ("calf of the leg").[2]Calf andcalf of the leg are documented in use in Middle English circa AD 1350 and AD 1425 respectively.[3]
Historically, theabsence of calf, meaning a lower leg without a prominent calf muscle, was regarded by some authors as a sign of inferiority:it is well known that monkeys have no calves, and still less do they exist among the lower orders of mammals.[4]
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The calf is composed of the muscles of theposterior compartment of the leg: Thegastrocnemius andsoleus (composing thetriceps surae muscle) and thetibialis posterior. Thesural nerve provides innervation.
Medical conditions that result in calf swelling among othersymptoms includedeep vein thrombosis[5]compartment syndrome,[6][7]Achilles tendon rupture, andvaricose veins.
Idiopathicleg cramps are common and typically affect the calf muscles at night.[8]Edema also is common and in many cases idiopathic. In a small study of factory workers in good health, wearingcompression garments helped to reduce edema and the pain associated with edema.[9] A small study of runners found that wearing knee-highcompression stockings while running significantly improved performance.[10]
Thecircumference of the calf has been used to estimate selected health risks. InSpain, a study of 22,000 persons 65 or older found that a smaller calf circumference was associated with a higher risk of undernutrition.[11] InFrance, a study of 6265 persons 65 or older found an inverse correlation between calf circumference and carotid plaques.[12]
Calf augmentation and restoration is available, using a range ofprosthesis devices and surgical techniques.
The calves can be isolated by performing movements involving plantarflexion (pointing the toes down). The two major categories of calf exercises are those that maintain an extended knee, and those that maintain a flexed knee.
The first category includes movements such as standing calf raises, donkey calf raises and stair calves. The second category includes movements that maintain a bent knee, such as seated calf raises. Movements with a straight knee will target the gastrocnemius muscle more, and movements with a bent-knee will target the soleus muscle more. However, both variations will target both muscles to a large degree.
It is important to train the calves relatively close to failure, which is 0-4 repetitions away from technical failure. They recover quickly, often requiring rest times of as little as 10 seconds and often no more than 60 seconds. Ensuring a 1-2 second pause at the top and bottom of the movement will put more emphasis on the muscle, and less emphasis on the achilles tendon.
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