Lumbar Spine, Hip and Knee - LO 6
6. Describe the organization of the neurovasculature in the popliteal fossa.
6. Describe the organization of the neurovasculature in the popliteal fossa.
The popliteal fossa is bounded by hamstring muscles superiorly and the two heads of gastrocnemius m. inferiorly. It is filled with a large amount of adipose tissue.
The neurovasculature is organized in this manner (superficial to deep):
Bifurcation of sciatic n. (along with cutaneous branches)
Tibial n.
Common fibular (peroneal) n.
Popliteal v. (& tributaries)
Popliteal a. (& branches)
The popliteal vein and artery are tightly packaged in connective tissue and may look like one structure when first uncovered during dissection.
