Popliteal Fossa

Question 1

What is the popliteal fossa?

Answer 1

Diamond shaped area found on posterior side of knee

Question 2

Border of popliteal fossa

Answer 2

Superomedial - semimembranosus
Superolateral - bicep femoris
Inferomedial - medial head of gastrocnemius
Inferolateral - lateral head of gastrocnemius

Question 3

Name the roof and floor of the popliteal fossa

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Contents of popliteal fossa

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Clinical relevance: Swelling in popliteal fossa due to popliteal aneurysm

Answer 5

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.