Musculus soleus
The soleus is a very small, often vestigial muscle in horses. It lies deep to the gastrocnemius and originates from the head of the fibula and proximal lateral tibia. It joins the common calcanean tendon near its insertion on the calcaneus. Its action is to assist hock extension, but this function is minimal in horses. It is innervated by the tibial nerve (roughly L5-S2).
Origin: Head of the fibula and proximal lateral tibia
Insertion: Joins the common calcanean tendon near its insertion on the calcaneus
Action: Assists hock extension (minimal in horses)
Innervation: Tibial nerve (L5-S2)
Functionally insignificant. Isolated clinical problems are extremely rare.
## Overview Some anatomical structures or minor variations are functionally insignificant in the horse, meaning they do not produce a recognizable clinical syndrome or affect performance. No specific
Not a structure of practical concern for owners.
## Overview Some anatomical structures or minor variations are functionally insignificant in the horse, meaning they do not produce a recognizable clinical syndrome or affect performance. No specific disease is attributed to them. ## Causes Normal anatomic variation or vestigial structures. ## Diagnosis Recognition that no clinical signs are linked to the structure. ## Treatment None required. ## Recovery and Prognosis Not applicable. ## Prevention Not applicable. Signs include: none; no specific clinical syndrome
Functionally insignificant. Isolated clinical problems are extremely rare.
Not a structure of practical concern for owners.
See the Soleus on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model