Popliteus

Anatomy · Lower limb anatomy

Popliteus Key Points

Innervation: Tibial nerve
Attachments:

Origin: Lateral femoral epicondyle. Attached to lateral meniscus
Insertion: Posterior surface of tibia proximal to soleus line

Actions:

Unlock knee from the flexed position.
Movement of the lateral meniscus posteriorly during flexion to prevent it being crushed
Medially rotates tibia on the femur if the femur is fixed (sitting down) or laterally rotates femur on the tibia if tibia is fixed (standing up)

Diagram illustrating position of Popliteus