Name

# Popliteus

Pronunciation

(pop-LIT-e-us)

Origin/Proximal Attachment

Depression at the anterior end of the groove on the lateral aspect of the lateral femoral condyle

Collagenous fibres from the arcuate popliteal ligament

Knee joint capsule adjacent to the lateral meniscus

Some attachment to outer margin of the lateral meniscus

Insertion/Distal Attachment

Medial two 3rd’s of the triangular area on posterior tibial surface above the soleal line & into the tendinous expansion that covers its surface

Action/Relevance

Insertion fixed: externally rotates femur on tibia & unlocks knee

Origin fixed: internally rotates tibia on femur & unlocks knee

Helps to reinforce the posterior ligaments of the knee joint

Innervation

Tibial nerve (L5, S1)

Notes

a flat, triangular muscle that forms the floor of the lower part of the popliteal fossa

arises from knee joint capsule via strong tendon about 2.5 cm long

descends medially

Runs deep to the lateral collateral lig

Fleshy portion begins with its attachment to the lateral meniscus.