The Popliteal Fossa Flashcards
Where is the popliteal fossa?
It’s a diamond shaped space behind the knee joint
What are the medial and lateral borders of the top part of the diamond?
Medially: semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles
Laterally: biceps femoris muscle
What forms the border of the bottom part of the diamond?
The lateral and medial heads of the gastrocnemius
What forms the floor of the popliteal fossa?
The posterior surface of the knee joint capsule and the posterior surface of the femur
What makes up the roof of the popliteal fossa?
The popliteal fascia and skin
Medial to lateral what neurovascular structures does the popliteal fossa contain?
Popliteal artery, popliteal vein, tibial nerve, common fibular nerve
What are the tibial and common fibular nerve both branches of?
The sciatic nerve
What are the two major causes of an appearance of a mass in the popliteal fossa?
Bakers cyst and popliteal artery aneurysm
