Posterior Thigh and Popliteal Fossa

Question 1

What is this muscle and its innervation?

Answer 1

Semitendonosus

Tibial division of the sciatic nerve (L5, S1, S2)

Question 2

In flexion, what muscle is responsible for lateral rotation of the knee?

Answer 2

Biceps femoris

Question 3

What is the relation of the sciatic nerve and the hamstrings?

Answer 3

Runs deep to the long head of the biceps femoris

Question 4

Describe the arcuate ligament of the knee

Answer 4

A thickening of the knee joint capsule where it is pierced by the popliteus

Question 5

What are the attachments of semimembranosus?

Answer 5

Ischial tuberosity

Posterior surface of the medial condyle of the tibia

Question 6

What are the contents of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 6

Poplital artery
Popliteal vein
Terminal branches of the sciatic nerve (tibial nerve and common peroneal nerve)

Question 7

What are the boundaries of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 7

Superiorly - the diverging tendons of the hamstrings

• Biceps femoris laterally
• Semimembranosus and semitendinosus medially

Inferiorly - medial and lateral heads of the gastocnemius

Question 8

When the knee is flexed, what muscles are responsible for medial rotation?

Answer 8

Semimembranosus
Semitendonosus
Gracilis
Sartorius

Question 9

What are the roots of the sciatic nerve?

Answer 9

Anterior rami of L4, L5, S1, S2, S3

Question 10

What are the attachments of semitendinosus?

Answer 10

Ischial tuberosity

Medial surface of the superior tibia

Question 11

What group of muscles are contained in the posterior thigh and what is their function?

Answer 11

Hamstring muscles

• Semitendonosus
• Semimembranosus
• Biceps Femoris

Extends the hip and flexes the knee

Question 12

What vessels pierce the knee joint capsule?

Answer 12

The middle genicular vessels

Pierce the joint capsule to supply the cruciate ligaments

Question 13

What are the terminal branches of the popliteal artery?

Answer 13

Anterior tibial

Posterior tibial

Question 14

When does the femoral artery become the popliteal artery?

Answer 14

When it passes through the adductor hiatus

Question 15

What is this muscle and its innervation?

Answer 15

Biceps Femoris

Long head - tibial division of sciatic nerve (L5, S1, S2)
Short head - common peroneal division of sciatic (L5, S1, S2)

Question 16

What pierces through the deep fascia of the roof of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 16

Sural nerve

Short saphenous vein

Question 17

What is this muscle and its innervation?

Answer 17

Semimembranosus

Tibial division of the sciatic nerve (L5, S1, S2)

Question 18

What are the 5 genicular branches of the popliteal artery?

Answer 18

Medial superior genicular artery
Lateral superior genicular artery
Middle genicular artery
Medial inferior genicular artery 
Lateral inferior genicular artery

Question 19

What is the oblique popliteal ligament?

Answer 19

Expansion of the semimembranosus

Reinforces the knee joint

Question 20

What are the attachments of biceps femoris?

Answer 20

Long head - ischial tuberosity
Short head - linea aspera and lateral supracondylar line of femur

Both insert into head of fibula

Question 21

What contributes to the floor of the popliteal fossa?

Answer 21

Popliteal surface of femur
Capsule of the knee joint
Popliteus muscle