MuscleLeg — posterior deep
Popliteus
Latin: M. popliteus
Location: Knee
View the popliteus in 3DOrigin
Lateral femoral condyle (inside the joint capsule) and the lateral meniscus.
Insertion
Posterior tibia above the soleal line.
Action
Unlocks the knee by laterally rotating the femur on the fixed tibia at the start of flexion; draws the lateral meniscus back.
Nerve supply
Tibial nerve (L4–S1).
Blood supply
Genicular arteries.
Clinical relevance
Popliteus tendinitis aches at the back of the knee in downhill runners — 'the key that unlocks the knee'.
Educational anatomy reference, not medical advice. About this content.