Popliteal fossa, common peroneal nerve, tibial nerve (dave's notes)

Question 1

Describe the shape and boundaries of the popliteal fossa

Answer 1

Diamond shaped with semi-membranosus and semi-tendinosus medially, and biceps femoris laterally. Roof formed by the fascia lata

Question 2

Describe the floor of the popliteal fossa from superior to inferior

Answer 2

Popliteal surface of femur
Capsule of the knee joint
Popliteus muscle

Question 3

What is the course of the common peroneal nerve?

Answer 3

Arises from the sciatic at the apex of the popliteal fossa. Slopes down medial to the biceps, then disappears in the substance of peroneus longus. Emerges from the lower lateral boundary.

Question 4

What does the common peroneal nerve lie on?

Answer 4

Crosses:
plantaris
Lateral head of gastrocnemius
Knee joint capsule
Fibular origin of soleus

Question 5

What are the branches of the common peroneal nerve?

Answer 5

Peroneal (fibular) communicating nerve
Lateral cutaneous nerve of the calf
Superior and inferior genicular nerves
Recurrent genicular nerve
Deep and superficial peroneal (fibular) nerves

Question 6

What is the course of the tibial nerve?

Answer 6

Arises from the sciatic at the apex of the popliteal fossa.

Runs vertically down in the middle of the fossa, and then passes deeply between the heads of gastrocnemius.

Question 7

What does the tibial nerve supply from the popliteal fossa?

Answer 7

Gives motor branches to all muscles that arise in the popliteal fossa

Question 8

What is the cutaneous nerve of the tibial nerve?

Answer 8

The tibial nerve has only one cutaneous nerve - the sural nerve.

Question 9

What is the course of the sural nerve?

Answer 9

The sural nerve pierces the deep fascia (replacing the posterior cutaneous nerve), and passes down in the subcutaneous fat.

Question 10

What are the genicular nerves?

Answer 10

These are articular branches from the tibial here which follow the arteries supplying joint structures.