plantaris

plantaris /plan·ta·ris/ (plan-ta´ris) [L.] plantar.

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plantaris

[planter′is, plantä′ris]

Etymology: L, planta

one of three superficial muscles at the back of the leg, between the soleus and the gastrocnemius. The plantaris is a small muscle that arises from the distal part of the linea aspera of the femur and from the oblique popliteal ligament of the knee joint. It has a small fusiform belly, ending in a long, slender tendon that inserts into the calcaneus. The plantaris is innervated by a branch of the tibial nerve containing fibers from the fourth and the fifth lumbar and the first sacral nerves. It plantar-flexes the foot and the leg. Compare gastrocnemius, soleus.

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plantar [plan´ter]

pertaining to the sole of the foot.

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plantaris

[L.]

1. plantar.

2. the superficial digital flexor muscle of the hindlimb.