17. Anatomy of the Knee Flashcards
What is the function of the popliteal fossa?
Allows transit of neurovascular structures from the thigh to the leg.
What are the following boundaries of the popliteal fossa:
- Superomedial
- Superolateral
- Inferomedial
- Inferolateral
- Floor
- Roof
Superomedial = Semimebranousus
Superolateral = Biceps femoris
Inferomedial = medial head Gastrocnemius
Inferolateral = lateral head Gastrocnemius
Floor = Popliteus muscle
Roof = Popliteus fascia
What is another name for the common fibular nerve?
Common peroneal nerve
Where does the sciatic nerve commonly bifurcate?
At the superior apex of the popliteal fossa
What is the path of the common fibular nerve?
Wraps around the lateral head of gastrocnemius - then passes deep to muscle in lateral compartment before splitting into superficial and deep branches
What nerve is given off from the common fibular nerve?
The sural nerve (which joints a branch of the tibial nerve)
What is the main cutaneous nerve of the calf?
The sural nerve
What is the content of the popliteal fossa from medial to lateral?
Artery (popliteal artery)
Vein (popliteal vein)
Nerve (tibial nerve)
Which artery is the primary artery to supply blood to the knee and lower leg?
Popliteal artery
Which 5 branches of the popliteal artery are given off around the popliteal fossa?
Superior medial geniculate artery
Superior lateral geniculate artery
Middle geniculate artery
Inferior medial geniculate artery
Inferior lateral geniculate artery
Where is the common fibular nerve found?
The superolateral border of the popliteal fossa
What is the clinical significance of the popliteal fossa?
Pulse point
Can get popliteal aneurysm
Baker’s synovial cyst
Which bones make up the knee joint?
Femur (condyles)
Tibia (condyles and plateau)
Patella (sesamoid bone)
What type of joint is the knee?
Synovial hinge
What type of movement is permitted at the knee joint?
Some rotation, gliding and rolling
Plus flexion and extension (from synovial hinge)
What are the names of the menisci found in the knee?
Medial
Lateral
What is the difference between the medial and lateral menisci of the knee?
Medial = C-shaped & fixed
Lateral = rounded, smaller & mobile
When is the knee joint more stable - extension or flexion?
Extension - because the femur is articulating a flat surface in extension as opposed to a more rounded surface in flexion.
How are the condyles of the femur shaped?
Flat distally and curved posteriorly
What is the benefit of having a knee joint that is more stable in extension than flexion?
The thigh muscles dont have to work as hard during standing - they can relax.
What is the inter-condyle groove for on the anterior surface of the femur?
Articulation with the patella
What are menisci made from?
Fibrocartilage - type 1 collagen, fibroblasts and chondrocytes
What are menisci attached by?
Coronary ligaments