Popliteal Fossa Flashcards
Superiolateral border of the popliteal fossa?
Biceps femoris
Superiomedial border of popliteal fossa?
Semimembranosus
Inferiomedial border of popliteal fossa?
Medial head of gastrocnemius
Inferiolateral border of popliteal fossa?
Lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris
Floor of the popliteal fossa?
Posterior surface of knee capsule
Roof of popliteal fossa?
Popliteal fascia and skin
Contents of popliteal fossa?
Medial to lateral:
- popliteal artery
- popliteal vein
- tibial nerve
- common fibular nerve
What are the tibial and common fibular nerve branches of?
The sciatic nerve
What happens to the popliteal vein in the popliteal fossa?
The small saphenous vein empties into it.
What is the popliteal artery a continuation of?
The femoral artery
What is a Baker’s cyst?
Inflammation and swelling of the semimembranosus bursa. Usually arises with arthritis in the knee.
What can be a complication of a Baker’s cyst?
It can rupture and produce symptoms similar to a deep vein thrombosis
Consequences of a popliteal aneurysm?
Popliteal fascia layer is tough and non-extensible. Therefore the tibial nerve can be compressed and cause leg anaesthesia/loss of leg motor function.
How is a popliteal aneurysm detected?
Palatable pulsation with abnormal arterial sounds
