Which muscle originates from the head of the fibula and shaft of the tibia and inserts on the calcaneus?

• A. Tibialis Anterior
• B. Fibularis Longus
• C. Extensor Digitorum Longus
• D. Soleus

Answer: (D)

Understanding where a muscle starts and where it ends helps you predict what it does. The combination of origin from the head of the fibula and the shaft of the tibia, with insertion on the calcaneus, is the signature for the soleus. This muscle sits in the deep posterior compartment and forms part of the Achilles tendon that attaches to the calcaneus, making it a powerful plantar flexor that helps push the foot down and stabilize the ankle, especially when standing.

Other muscles in the list don’t share that exact origin-to-insertion pattern. The tibialis anterior begins on the tibia and inserts on the medial foot bones, not the heel. The extensor digitorum longus also starts on the tibia and fibula but inserts on the toes. The fibularis longus starts on the fibula and inserts on the base of the first metatarsal and the medial cuneiform, not the calcaneus.