Popliteal fossa

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The popliteal fossa (sometimes referred to as the kneepit or hough^[1]) is a shallow depression located at the back of the knee joint. The bones of the popliteal fossa are the femur and the tibia.

Video Popliteal fossa

Boundaries

The boundaries of the fossa are:

Maps Popliteal fossa

Roof

The roof is formed by (from superficial to deep):

1. skin
2. superficial fascia, which contains the small saphenous vein, the terminal branch of the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh, posterior division of the medial cutaneous nerve, lateral sural cutaneous nerve, and medial sural cutaneous nerve
3. deep fascia or popliteal fascia

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Floor

The floor is formed by:

1. the popliteal surface of the femur
2. the capsule of the knee joint and the oblique popliteal ligament
3. strong fascia covering the popliteus muscle

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Contents

Structures within the popliteal fossa include, (from superficial to deep):

• tibial nerve
• popliteal vein
• popliteal artery, a continuation of the femoral artery
• small saphenous vein (termination)
• common fibular nerve (also known as the common peroneal nerve)
• Popliteal lymph nodes and Dharmy vessels

It is of note that the common fibular nerve also begins at the superior angle of the popliteal fossa.

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Additional images

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See also

• Hamstring

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References

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External links

• postthigh at The Anatomy Lesson by Wesley Norman (Georgetown University) (poplitealfossabones, poplitealfossacontents, poplitealfossafloor)
• MedicalMnemonics.com: 2747 9

Source of the article : Wikipedia