Which structure attaches the gastrocnemius muscle to the heel bone?

• A. Gout
• B. Malleolus
• C. Contracture
• D. Achilles tendon

Answer: (D)

The calf muscle gastrocnemius connects to the heel bone through a tendon that runs down the back of the leg and inserts into the calcaneus—the heel bone. This tendon is the Achilles tendon, the strong structure that links the gastrocnemius (and the soleus) to the heel and enables plantarflexion of the foot. The other terms don’t serve as a connective bridge between muscle and bone: gout is a disease, malleolus are ankle bones, and contracture is a stiffening of muscle or tissue.