Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon or heel cord, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is a tendon at the back of the lower leg, and is the thickest in the human body. It serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the calcaneus bone. These muscles, acting via the tendon, cause plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle joint, and flexion at the knee. Abnormalities of the Achilles tendon include inflammation, degeneration, rupture, and becoming embedded with cholesterol deposits. The Achilles tendon was named in 1693 after the Greek hero Achilles.