The Achilles tendon is the common name for the _____ tendon.

• A. Popliteal
• B. Calcaneal
• C. Tibialis
• D. Soleus

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the Achilles tendon is the strong tendon that links the calf muscles to the heel bone. Its formal name is the calcaneal tendon, because it attaches to the calcaneus, the heel.

The Achilles tendon is formed by fibers from the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (the calf muscles) and runs down the back of the ankle to insert into the calcaneus. This makes it the single, powerful tendon used for pushing the foot off the ground, i.e., plantarflexion during walking, running, and jumping.

That’s why calcaneal tendon is the best name: it literally refers to the heel bone (calcaneus) where the tendon attaches. The other options point to regions or muscles that are not the tendon’s name: the popliteal area is behind the knee; tibialis refers to a muscle group in the leg; soleus is one of the calf muscles (its tendon contributes to the Achilles, but isn’t the tendon’s common name).