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Medial head of gastrocnemius

Lower legs

Origin: Back of the medial 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 larger, inner head of the calf. Like the whole gastrocnemius, it works hardest with the knee straight, as in standing calf raises.

Exercises listed for the gastrocnemius as a whole

Medial 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

Lateral head of gastrocnemius

Sources

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