Specimen Image
The popliteal fossa is a diamond shaped area located on the posterior aspect of the knee. It is the main path by which vessels and nerves pass between the thigh and the leg.
In this article, we shall look at the anatomy of the popliteal fossa – its borders, contents and clinical correlations.
Borders
The popliteal fossa is diamond shaped with four borders. These borders are formed by the muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg and thigh:
- Superomedial border – semimembranosus.
- Superolateral border – biceps femoris.
- Inferomedial border – medial head of the gastrocnemius.
- Inferolateral border – lateral head of the gastrocnemius and plantaris.
The floor of the popliteal fossa is formed by the posterior surface of the knee joint capsule, popliteus muscle and posterior femur. The roof is made of up two layers: popliteal fascia and skin. The popliteal fascia is continuous with the fascia lata of the leg.
Rack Number
Specimen Number
09