The Achilles tendon
Calcaneal tendon · tendo calcaneus
The thickest, strongest tendon in your body, linking your calf muscles to your heel.
What it does
The Achilles tendon joins the two main calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. When the calf contracts, the tendon pulls the heel up, pointing the foot and pushing you forward. It also stretches and recoils like a spring when you run, saving energy.
Surprising fact
It is named after the Greek hero Achilles, who in legend was invulnerable except at his heel, where his mother held him when dipping him in the River Styx.
Why it matters
Achilles tendon tears are common in middle-aged people playing stop-start sports like squash and netball. Gradual training and calf strengthening help prevent them.
Nearby
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Sources
Drafted with AI help; awaiting a human fact-check against these sources.
Open in the 3D atlas · Suggest a correction · Not medical advice.
3D models: Z-Anatomy & BodyParts3D (CC BY-SA 4.0 / 2.1 JP). Card text CC BY 4.0.