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Lateral head of gastrocnemius

Lower legs

Origin: Lateral surface of the lateral condyle of the femur
Insertion: Calcaneus via the Achilles tendon
Action: Plantarflexes the ankle and flexes the knee
Nerve supply: Tibial nerve (S1–S2)

The smaller, outer head of the calf. It joins the medial head in the Achilles tendon and works with it in standing calf raises.

Exercises listed for the gastrocnemius as a whole

Lateral head of gastrocnemius anatomy page →

Exercises listed for the gastrocnemius as a whole

Standing calf raise — main mover
Conventional deadlift — assists
Lying leg curl — assists
Seated calf raise — assists

Other parts of the gastrocnemius

Medial head of gastrocnemius

Sources

Last updated 18 October 2026. For education only — not medical advice, and not reviewed by a clinician.