The calf (PL: calves; Latin: sura) is the back portion of the lower leg in human anatomy. The muscles within the calf correspond to the posterior compartment of the leg. The two largest muscles within this compartment are known together as the calf muscle and attach to the heel via the Achilles tendon. Several other, smaller muscles attach to the knee, the ankle, and via long tendons to the toes. Etymology
From Middle English calf, kalf, from Old Norse kalfi, possibly derived from the same Germanic root as English calf ("young cow"). Cognate with Icelandic kálfi ("calf of the leg"). Calf and calf of the leg are documented in use in Middle English circa AD 1350 and AD 1425 respectively.Historically, the absence of calf, meaning a lower leg without a prominent calf muscle, was regarded by some authors as a sign of inferiority: it is well known that monkeys have no calves, and still less do they exist among the lower orders of mammals. Structure
The calf is composed of the muscles of the posterior compartment of the leg: The gastrocnemius and soleus (composing the triceps surae muscle) and the tibialis posterior. The sural nerve provides innervation. Clinical significance
Medical conditions that result in calf swelling among other symptoms include deep vein thrombosis compartment syndrome, Achilles tendon rupture, and varicose veins. Idiopathic leg cramps are common and typically affect the calf muscles at night. Edema also is common and in many cases idiopathic.
Lymphocytic meningoradiculitis, also known as Bannwarth syndrome, is a neurological disease characterized as intense nerve pain radiating from the spine. The disease is caused by an infection of Borrelia burgdorferi, a tick-borne spirochete bacterium also responsible for causing Lyme disease. Signs and symptoms
Lymphocytic meningoradiculitis is characterized by an intense spinal pain in the lumbar and cervical regions, radiating to the extremities. Symptoms may include facial paralysis, abducens palsy, anorexia, tiredness, headache, double vision, paraesthesia, and erythema migrans. Treatment
Lymphocytic meningoradiculitis is treated with antibiotics. Oral doxycycline or IV ceftriaxone are typically recommended for 14-21 days. History
The disease was first reported in 1941 by German neurologist, Alfred Bannwarth, who described the main symptoms as intense radicular pain, facial palsy, severe headaches, and vomiting. A common feature he observed in his infected patients was an abnormal increase of lymphocytes in their cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). See also
Tick-borne disease

References


== External links ==