Popliteal Fossa Flashcards
What is the popliteal fossa?
Diamond shaped area found on posterior side of knee
Border of popliteal fossa
Superomedial - semimembranosus
Superolateral - bicep femoris
Inferomedial - medial head of gastrocnemius
Inferolateral - lateral head of gastrocnemius
Name the roof and floor of the popliteal fossa
Roof - popliteal fascia and skin
Floor - posterior surface of the knee joint capsule and posterior surface of femur
Popliteal fascia is continuous with fascia lata of the leg
Contents of popliteal fossa
Popliteal artery (deepest structure. Continuous of femoral artery and travels into leg to supply it with blood.)
Popliteal vein (small saphenous vein pierces popliteal fascia of popliteal fossa to enter the diamond and empty into popliteal vein)
Tibial nerve
Common fibular nerve
Clinical relevance: Swelling in popliteal fossa due to popliteal aneurysm
Results in compression of tibial nerve resulting in, weakened or absent plantar flexion and paraesthesia of the foot snd posterolateral leg.
Can be detected by an obvious palpable pulsation in popliteal fossa.