A National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center

 

Patients & Families

Health Care Professionals

Researchers

Donors & Volunteers

Employees

 

Health Encyclopedia

 

 

Achilles Tendon

A tendon attaches muscle to bone. The Achilles tendon, also called the heel cord, attaches the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus); it is the largest tendon in the body and withstands a large amount of weight with each foot movement.

The Achilles tendon allows the foot to point downward and enables a person to stand on his or her toes.

Last Revised: July 13, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Barry L. Scurran, DPM - Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.