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Achilles' tendon
Achilles' tendon ( tendo calcaneus ) , sinew prominent at the back of the ankle, connecting the tendons of the calf muscles to the heelbone. When the musculature contracts, the pull on the Achilles' tendon elevates the heel in the springy motion essential to running and jumping. Since the effect is to lift the entire body weight against a severely adverse leverage ratio, the Achilles' tendon by necessity is the toughest and strongest of human tendons. The name derives from the mythical Greek hero Achilles, who was vulnerable only in the heel. |
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"Achilles' tendon." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Achilles' tendon." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Achilsten.html "Achilles' tendon." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Achilsten.html |
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Achilles tendon
Achilles tendon Strong band of elastic connective tissue at the back of the ankle. One of the largest tendons in the human body, it connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The spring it provides is very important in walking, running and jumping.
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"Achilles tendon." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Achilles tendon." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Achillestendon.html "Achilles tendon." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-Achillestendon.html |
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Achilles tendon
Achilles tendon (ă-kil-eez) n. the tendon of the muscles of the calf of the leg (the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles), situated at the back of the ankle and attached to the calcaneus (heel bone).
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"Achilles tendon." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Achilles tendon." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-Achillestendon.html "Achilles tendon." A Dictionary of Nursing. 2008. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O62-Achillestendon.html |
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