Why do we Have a Gastrocnemius?
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The gastrocnemius' function includes any action which involves the plantar flexion of the foot or flexion of the knee. It allows the body to be raised up on tip toes and pushed off when sprinting. The gastrocnemius may easily be confused or mixed with the soleus. They both have similar primary functions and location, but the soleus is more active when the knee is bent, while the gastrocnemius is more active when the knee is straight. Some examples of exercises or actions in which the gastrocnemius is used include running, walking, jumping, standing, jogging, tip toeing, and skipping. As you can notice, all these actions are those of that plantar flexion occurs. Practically every action that involves using your legs uses the gastrocnemius paired with the soleus.