Name
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.