Every definition I find for gastro or gastric relates to the stomach. Why is a muscle with this prefix in my lower leg? The dictionaries I have searched so far only relate nemius to gastroc nemius which is not helpfull.

Sounds like one for Kalleh this one

quote:

Originally posted by Quark:Why is a muscle with this prefix in my lower leg?

I may have found something. It says here that it is 'The muscle which gives a 'bellying' form to the calf of the leg'. The association seems obvious but I still think that Kalleh would be able to tell you more.

The visual simmilarity seemed too obvious. Besides it is more of a party seven than a six pack. Hardly an athletic immage. I have now found a better origin of nemius part as the Nemare Valley in Greece where games were held.

Most men are more likely to have a party 7 than a 6 pack. Come to think of it, most men are likely to have considerably more than a party 7! Nevertheless, you are obviously free to dismiss my pearls of wisdom if you wish. Brothers!!!

Ummm, are you two pulling my leg?

The bellying hypothesis sounds reasonable enough to me. Most anatomical names are visually descriptive. Sella turcica and substantia nigra are among my favs.

My fav is Dura Mater - "Tough Mother! Considering the number of times I've been dropped on my head, I'm glad she tough! ;-)

Yes, you are correct about "gastrocnemius." The "gastroc" refers to belly (of the muscle), while kneme is "leg" in Greek.

Yes, medical words are great, aren't they? I like how so many are related to colors as aput recently pointed out in a thread (like leukocyte or erthyrocyte).