Achilles Tendon

human body · muscles · tendons · anatomy

Strongest tendon ever. The Achilles tendon is the thickest tendon in the entire human body, and it's incredibly strong because it has to handle huge forces every time you move your legs.

Connects three muscles. Three muscles in your calf and leg (the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris) all attach to your heel bone through this one powerful tendon.

Makes your foot point down. When your calf muscles contract, they pull on the Achilles tendon to point your foot downward, which helps you walk, run, jump, and stand on your tiptoes.

Named after a hero. It's called the Achilles tendon after Achilles, a legendary Greek warrior, because in old stories his only weak spot was his heel.