Which muscles comprise the superficial posterior compartment of the leg?

The superficial posterior compartment of the leg is primarily composed of muscles that are crucial for plantarflexion of the ankle and flexion of the toes. The correct answer, which includes the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris, accurately identifies these key muscles.

The gastrocnemius is the largest and most recognizable muscle in the calf, being responsible for the plantarflexion of the foot when the knee is extended and for knee flexion when the foot is dorsiflexed. The soleus lies beneath the gastrocnemius and also functions in plantarflexion, providing stability when standing and walking. The plantaris, while smaller and sometimes considered a vestigial muscle, assists the gastrocnemius in plantarflexion.

In contrast, the other choices do not represent muscles from the superficial posterior compartment. The muscles listed in the incorrect options either belong to different compartments of the leg or have different functions. For example, the adductors and rectus femoris are part of the anterior compartment or medial thigh muscles rather than the posterior compartment. The muscles listed in another option—flexor digitorum longus, tibialis posterior, and popliteus—are located in the deep posterior compartment of the leg, which