Popliteal Fossa: Difference between revisions

No edit summary
(border)
Line 11: Line 11:


=== Margins/Borders  ===
=== Margins/Borders  ===
The Popliteal Fossa has 2 upper margins and 2 lower margins<ref name=":0" />
Its boundaries are:
* The margins of the upper part are formed by the [[Semimembranosus]] and [[Semitendinosus]] muscles on the medial side and the [[Biceps Femoris]] on the lateral side.  
 
* The margins of the lower parts are formed by the medial head of the [[Gastrocnemius]] muscle and the laterally by the [[Plantaris]] muscle and the lateral head of the [[Gastrocnemius]] muscle.
The [[Biceps Femoris|Biceps Femoris tendon]] (superolateral) and [[Semimembranosus]] reinforced
 
by [[Semitendinosus]] (superomedial). The medial and lateral heads of
 
[[Gastrocnemius]] form the inferomedial and inferolateral boundaries,
 
respectively.


=== Floor  ===
=== Floor  ===
Line 27: Line 33:
* The Popliteal vein: It is superficial to the and travels with the Popliteal artery.   
* The Popliteal vein: It is superficial to the and travels with the Popliteal artery.   
* The [[Tibial Nerve|Tibia nerve]] and common Fibular nerve: These are the two major branches of the [[Sciatic Nerve|Sciatic]] nerve. They are the most superficial of the neurovascular structures in the Popliteal fossa. They appears under the margin of the [[Biceps Femoris]] muscles.  
* The [[Tibial Nerve|Tibia nerve]] and common Fibular nerve: These are the two major branches of the [[Sciatic Nerve|Sciatic]] nerve. They are the most superficial of the neurovascular structures in the Popliteal fossa. They appears under the margin of the [[Biceps Femoris]] muscles.  
  {{#ev:youtube|e-Ws8op6wpY }}
{{#ev:youtube|e-Ws8op6wpY }}
=== Clinical Significance ===
=== Clinical Significance ===
* [[Baker's Cyst|Baker's cyst]]
* [[Baker's Cyst|Baker's cyst]]

Revision as of 04:39, 24 September 2020

Popliteal picture.jpg

Description[edit | edit source]

The Popliteal Fossa is a diamond- shaped space behind the knee joint .[1] It is formed between the muscles in the posterior compartments of the thigh and leg.This anatomical landmark is the major route by which structures passes between the thigh and leg.[2]

Margins/Borders[edit | edit source]

Its boundaries are:

The Biceps Femoris tendon (superolateral) and Semimembranosus reinforced

by Semitendinosus (superomedial). The medial and lateral heads of

Gastrocnemius form the inferomedial and inferolateral boundaries,

respectively.

Floor[edit | edit source]

The floor of the fossa is formed by the Popliteal surface of the Femur, capsule of the Knee reinforced by the oblique Popliteal ligament and the Popliteus muscle covered by its Fascia[1].


Roof[edit | edit source]

The roof of the Popliteal fossa is covered by the Fascia Lata which is strongly reinforced by the tranverse fibers. Thus,the roof is pierced by the small Saphenous vein and the posterior Femoral cutaneous nerve[1].

Content[edit | edit source]

The major content of the Popliteal fossa are[2]:

  • The Popliteal artery ; This is the deepest of the neurovascular structures in the Popliteal fossa. It is a continuation of the Femoral artery and appears on the upper medial side under the margin of the Semimembranosus muscle.
  • The Popliteal vein: It is superficial to the and travels with the Popliteal artery.
  • The Tibia nerve and common Fibular nerve: These are the two major branches of the Sciatic nerve. They are the most superficial of the neurovascular structures in the Popliteal fossa. They appears under the margin of the Biceps Femoris muscles.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chummy SS, editor. Last's Anatomy. Twelfth Edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2011.
  2. 2.0 2.1 Richard LD, Wayne VA, Adam WM, editors. Grays' Anatomy for Students. Second Edition. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2010.