Popliteal fossa

Question 1

What is the popliteal fossa?

Answer 1

Diamond shaped area located on the posterior aspect of the knee. It is the main path of vessels between the thigh and leg.

Question 2

What are the contents of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 2

popliteal artery, popliteal vein, tibial nerve, common fibualar nerve (medial to lateral)

Artery lies deepest, nerves sit most superficial

Question 3

What are the borders of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 3

Superomedial border- semimembranous
Superolateral border- biceps femoris
Inferomedial border- medail head of gastrocnemius
Inferolateral border- lateral head of gastrocnemius and plantaris