noun
- Plural of gastrocnemius; the large muscles at the back of the lower leg that form the calf and are used for walking, running, and jumping.
Usage: anatomy; technical; plural form
Examples
- The gastrocnemii muscles are responsible for pointing the foot downward.
- Athletes often stretch their gastrocnemii before and after exercise.
- A calf strain involves injury to one or both of the gastrocnemii.
- The gastrocnemii work together with the soleus muscle to form the triceps surae.
- Physical therapists frequently assess the strength and flexibility of the gastrocnemii in patients with leg pain.