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Popliteal fossa
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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The most difficult is the popliteal fossa (fossa poplitea), bounded from above by the tendons of the semitendinous and semimembranous muscles (medially) and the tendon of the biceps femoris (laterally). From below the popliteal fossa is limited by the calf muscles. Under the dense popliteal fascia, which is a continuation of the lower fascia (femur), lies fiber, in which the neurovascular bundle passes from the top down. Immediately under the fascia is the tibial nerve, deeper and inside - the popliteal vein, the most deeply and medially situated popliteal artery. In the hole are popliteal lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels. The bottom of the popliteal fossa is formed by the popliteal surface of the femur and the posterior surface of the capsule of the knee joint, reinforced in this place by an oblique popliteal ligament and popliteal muscle.
The cell space of the popliteal fossa communicates with many areas of the lower limb: the posterior muscular bed of the thigh, which in turn passes into the deep cellular space of the gluteal region. Through the leading duct popliteal fossa is associated with the femoral triangle. At the bottom, the popliteal fossa communicates with the posterior region of the tibia through the fiber accompanying the neurovascular bundle in the shin-channel, and with the lateral muscular lobe of the shin through the upper muscular-peroneal canal along the common peroneal nerve.
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