Muscle
Popliteus
"Unlocks" the knee
High-yield
Unlocks the knee by rotating the femur laterally on the tibia (medially rotating the tibia when non-weight-bearing). Tibial nerve.
Overview
A deep muscle of the popliteal fossa floor that laterally rotates the femur on the fixed tibia to unlock the fully extended knee for flexion.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Lateral condyle of the femur and lateral meniscus
- Insertion
- Posterior surface of the proximal tibia (above the soleal line)
- Action
- Unlocks the extended knee; medially rotates the tibia (or laterally rotates the femur when weight-bearing)
- Innervation
- Tibial nerve (L4, L5, S1)
- Blood supply
- Popliteal / posterior tibial arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the popliteus do?
The popliteus unlocks the extended knee; medially rotates the tibia (or laterally rotates the femur when weight-bearing).
What nerve innervates the popliteus?
The popliteus is innervated by the tibial nerve (L4, L5, S1).
Where does the popliteus attach?
The popliteus originates from the lateral condyle of the femur and lateral meniscus and inserts on the posterior surface of the proximal tibia (above the soleal line).
What is the blood supply of the popliteus?
The popliteus is supplied by the popliteal / posterior tibial arteries.