Popliteal artery
Arteria poplitea
The popliteal artery continues the femoral artery from the adductor hiatus. It runs through the popliteal fossa as its deepest structure and divides at the lower border of popliteus into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
Overview
The artery lies on the floor of the popliteal fossa: the back of the femur, the capsule of the knee joint and popliteus. From deep to superficial the main structures are the artery, then the popliteal vein, then the tibial nerve.
It gives off five genicular arteries: superior lateral, superior medial, middle, inferior lateral and inferior medial. These join with branches of the deep femoral and anterior tibial arteries to form an anastomosis around the knee. It also gives sural branches to gastrocnemius and soleus.
Because the artery lies deep and is held tightly against the bone, its pulse is hard to feel. It is best felt with the knee slightly bent and the hamstrings relaxed.
Anatomy
- Branches
The superior lateral, superior medial, middle, inferior lateral and inferior medial genicular arteries, the sural arteries, and the anterior and posterior tibial arteries.
Function
- Supplies the knee joint and the calf muscles.
- Carries all of the blood supply to the leg and foot.
Clinical significance
Knee dislocation
Because the popliteal artery is held tightly at both ends of the fossa, it is often torn in knee dislocation. After a reduced knee dislocation, the ankle–brachial index or CT angiography must be checked, because a missed injury can lead to amputation.
Popliteal aneurysm
Popliteal aneurysm is the commonest aneurysm of a limb artery. It is often bilateral and frequently occurs together with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Its main risk is thrombosis or embolism, which causes sudden ischaemia of the leg, rather than rupture.
Popliteal artery entrapment
In young athletes, an abnormal course of the artery around the medial head of gastrocnemius can compress it during exercise, causing calf pain on exertion.
Compiled from standard anatomy and physiology references — see the Cardiovascular System sources. For education only; not medical advice.