The
Achilles tendon is the tendinous extension of three muscles
in the lower leg: gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris,
inserting into the calcaneus (heel bone). The tendon passes
behind the ankle and is the thickest and strongest tendon
in the body. It is about 15cm long, and begins near the
middle of the leg. The tendon is surrounded by a sheath
called the paratenon, which protects the tendon and helps
to reduce friction. |