Muscle Names · Muscular System · Hard
Gastrocnemius
Meaning: The large superficial calf muscle visible at the back of the lower leg.
In practice: Calf raises target the gastrocnemius to build lower leg strength.
Word parts
- gastro- means stomach
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related muscle names words.
Which word means: A group of four muscles at the front of the thigh that extend the knee.
Answer: Quadriceps
Which word means: A combined hip flexor muscle formed by the iliacus and psoas major.
Answer: Iliopsoas
Words like gastrocnemius come up in the daily game
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