The soles, lateral gastrocnemius, and peroneals are categorized as which?

• A. Tibialis anterior
• B. Flexor digitorum longus
• C. Posterior tibialis
• D. Soleus, lateral gastrocnemius, peroneals

Answer: (D)

These muscles form a group that mainly moves the ankle into plantarflexion, with the peroneals adding foot eversion. The soleus and lateral gastrocnemius are the primary plantarflexors of the ankle—the classic “calf” muscles that point the toes downward. The peroneal muscles run along the outside of the leg and evert the foot, and they also assist with plantarflexion. Because all three contribute to pushing the foot downward and the peroneals contribute to turning the sole outward, they’re categorized together as ankle plantarflexors with eversion. The other options point to muscles with different primary actions, such as dorsiflexion, toe flexion, or inversion, which is why they don’t fit this grouping.