popliteal

Popliteal refers to the back of the knee and to structures located in the popliteal fossa, the shallow depression at the posterior aspect of the knee. The popliteal fossa is bounded superiorly by the tendons of the hamstring muscles (medially by semitendinosus and semimembranosus, laterally by the biceps femoris), with the floor formed by the femur and the posterior aspect of the knee joint, and the roof by skin and deep fascia. Contents include the small saphenous vein, the popliteal artery and vein, and the tibial nerve; the common fibular nerve lies more laterally as it winds around the neck of the fibula.

The popliteal artery is the continuation of the femoral artery after it passes through the adductor hiatus. It gives off genicular branches to the knee and typically divides into the anterior tibial and posterior tibial arteries just below the fossa. The popliteal vein accompanies the artery and drains into the femoral vein, formed by the union of the posterior tibial veins and the peroneal veins. The region also contains popliteal lymph nodes.

Clinically, pathology may involve Baker’s (popliteal) cysts, which are collections of joint fluid behind the knee, as well as vascular or nerve issues such as popliteal artery aneurysm, entrapment, or injuries to the vessels or nerves following knee trauma.

Etymology: the term derives from Latin poples, meaning the back of the knee.