MSK Session 9- The Posterior Thigh And The Popliteal Fossa Flashcards
What are the two common actions of the hamstring muscles?
Thigh extension and leg flexion
What are the three muscles of the posterior thigh and what are they collectively known as?
Biceps femoris (long head)
Semimembranosus
Semitendinous
The hamstring muscles
Which two muscles medially rotate the leg?
Semimembranosus and semitendinous
Which muscle laterally rotates the leg?
Biceps femoris (long head)
What does the short head of biceps femoris do?
Flex the knee
What is the innervation of the hamstring muscles?
The tibial division of the sciatic nerve
What is the innervation to the short head of biceps femoris?
The common fibular nerve of the sciatic nerve
Where is the proximal attachment of the hamstring muscles?
The ischial tuberosity
What are the branches of the profunda femoris artery and what do they supply? (3)
The medial circumflex femoral artery- supplies the head and neck of the femur
The lateral circumflex artery- supplies the lateral thigh muscles
The perforating arteries- supply the hamstrings
Describe the course of the femoral artery from the femoral triangle to the popliteal fossa.
The femoral artery exits the femoral triangle and travels down the anterior aspect of the thigh in the adductor canal, supplying the anterior thigh muscles.
The femoral artery then travels through the adductor hiatus into the posterior thigh, proximal to the knee, where it becomes the popliteal artery.
What is the name of the anastomoses that supplies the knee joint?
The genicular anastomoses
Name the four borders of the popliteal fossa.
Superomedial- semimembranosus
Superolateral- biceps femoris
Inferomedial- medial head of gastrocnemius
Inferolateral- lateral head of gastrocnemius
Floor- femur and posterior surface of the knee joint capsule
Roof- popliteal fascia and skin
What are the contents of the popliteal fossa from lateral to medial?
Common fibular nerve
Tibial nerve
Popliteal vein
Popliteal artery
