An unusual variation of an additional plantaris originating from the soleus - a histological examination

The plantaris muscle belongs to the posterior superficial crural muscles. It is placed between the gastrocnemius and soleus. Its origin usually is from the inferior part of the lateral supracondylar line of the femur at a position a little superior to the origi n of the lateral head of gastrocnemius. It is composed of a small fusiform belly and a long thin tendon, which runs along the leg in lower med ial direction alongside the medial border of the tendo calcaneus and inserts into the posterior part of the calcaneus. The material was taken from the Department of Anatomy and morphology by Sofia’s Medical University. Some histological sections from the beginning of the additional muscle belly of the plantaris originating from the soleus were taken. Permanent histological preparations were obtained. This study describes macroscopic and microscopic results of unusual variation of the plantaris merged with the tendon of the main belly and inserted into the tendo Achilles. The presence of an additional plantaris muscle originating from the soleus, as seen in this case, may be of academic interest as the standard text book, as well in cases of an unexplained pain in lower leg and during surgical procedures in the lower limb.