Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
soleus muscle

soleus muscle

5.5
A flat part at the back of the lower leg that bends the foot down at the ankle
  • noun
  • /ˈsoʊliəs ˈmʌsl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : músculo soleo
  • A two-channel EMG amplifier records the surface electromyographic signal over the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles.

Examples

  • During calf raises, the soleus muscle helps to flex the foot downward, providing strength and stability.

  • And that we found somewhat greater growth in the Soleus muscle and really no difference, no substantial difference in the gastrocnemius.

  • Surface EMG electrodes were placed over the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles.

    Academic text (2001)

  • The hammertap at the tendon results in a reflexive electromyographic (EMG) response in the soleus muscle of the lower leg.

    Academic text (2004)

  • The soleus muscle is key for activities that involve pushing off the ground, such as running.

  • Stretching the soleus muscle can alleviate tightness in the lower leg and improve overall mobility.

Synonyms

soleus
vssoleus muscle
  • Specialized
1 9.1

Broad flat muscle at the back of the calf that helps you stand and walk

is responsible for flexing the foot downward at the ankle

Surface Forms

soleus muscle singular
soleus muscles plural

Morphology

soleus + muscle

This is fully compositional: 'soleus' specifies a particular flat calf muscle and 'muscle' is the general tissue term, so the phrase simply refers to that specific muscle. Anatomical noun–noun naming is regular and cross-linguistically common, so a learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Soleus muscle is named after the word sole, meaning the bottom of the foot or a flat shoe part. The muscle is flat and sits under the calf like a little sole, so it helps 'point the foot down' and keep you standing.