Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which muscle originates from the superior lateral quadrant of the ischial tuberosity?
Which muscle originates from the superior lateral quadrant of the ischial tuberosity?
What is the common action of the muscles in the posterior fascial compartment?
What is the common action of the muscles in the posterior fascial compartment?
Which nerve primarily innervates the hamstring muscles?
Which nerve primarily innervates the hamstring muscles?
What is the insertion point of the biceps femoris (long head)?
What is the insertion point of the biceps femoris (long head)?
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In which compartment is the biceps femoris (short head) located?
In which compartment is the biceps femoris (short head) located?
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What action is primarily carried out by the semitendinosus muscle?
What action is primarily carried out by the semitendinosus muscle?
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Which vascular structure supplies blood to the posterior compartment of the thigh?
Which vascular structure supplies blood to the posterior compartment of the thigh?
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Which of the following actions do the vertical fibers of the adductor magnus perform?
Which of the following actions do the vertical fibers of the adductor magnus perform?
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What is the primary function of the group of muscles known as the hamstrings?
What is the primary function of the group of muscles known as the hamstrings?
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Which nerve innervates all hamstrings except the short head of the biceps femoris?
Which nerve innervates all hamstrings except the short head of the biceps femoris?
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Which muscle is NOT part of the pes anserinus group?
Which muscle is NOT part of the pes anserinus group?
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What is the main role of the popliteal fossa?
What is the main role of the popliteal fossa?
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What restricts hip flexion aside from hamstring tightness?
What restricts hip flexion aside from hamstring tightness?
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Where does the sciatic nerve usually split into its two portions?
Where does the sciatic nerve usually split into its two portions?
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What is the significance of the pulse in the popliteal fossa?
What is the significance of the pulse in the popliteal fossa?
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What structures form the boundaries of the popliteal fossa?
What structures form the boundaries of the popliteal fossa?
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Study Notes
Posterior Thigh and Popliteal Fossa
- The posterior thigh and popliteal fossa are anatomical regions in the human body.
- The femur is the longest, strongest, and largest bone in the body. Structures of the posterior thigh and popliteal fossa overlie the femur.
- Many structures of the posterior thigh and popliteal fossa arise in the gluteal area / pelvis.
- The posterior compartment of the thigh
- Boundaries: Lateral intermuscular septum, adductor magnus, and deep fascia.
- Contents: Hamstrings, nerves, and vascular structures.
- Common properties of the posterior compartment
- Common action: Knee flexion, hip extension (mostly).
- Common innervation: Sciatic nerve (tibial portion).
- Common blood supply: Profunda femoris.
- Hamstrings
- Semimembranosus
- Semitendinosus
- Biceps femoris (long head)
- Biceps femoris (short head)
- Pes anserinus
- Bursa on medial side of knee
- Overlying bursa are tendons inserting to the medial side of the knee.
- Muscle assortment for stabilizing medial knee and pelvis.
- Hip motion
- Hip flexion is limited by hamstring flexibility.
- Ability to flex hip > 70 degrees.
- Adverse tension in sciatic nerve and tight hip ligaments restrict hip flexion
- Nerves
- Sciatic nerve: Arises from sacral plexus (L4, L5, S1, S2, S3). It has two distinct portions.
- Tibial
- Common peroneal (fibular)
- Variation in location where they split (usually mid-thigh)
- Can be more proximal or distal.
- All hamstrings are innervated by the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve, EXCEPT the short head of biceps femoris.
- Posterior femoral cutaneous nerve: Arises from sacral plexus (S1 - S3).
- Sciatic nerve: Arises from sacral plexus (L4, L5, S1, S2, S3). It has two distinct portions.
- Vascular supply
- Femur and hamstrings are supplied with blood by the profunda femoris artery.
- Posterior compartment is drained by the profunda femoris vein, assisted by lymphatics.
- Popliteal fossa
- Diamond-shaped space posterior to the knee.
- Boundaries
- Medial and lateral heads of gastrocnemius (plantaris)
- Biceps femoris
- Semimembranosus/tendinosus
- Floor: posterior surface of femur, knee joint capsule, oblique popliteal ligament, and popliteus muscle.
- Ceiling: embedded deep fascia, adipose tissue, part of posterior femoral cutaneous nerve, small saphenous vein.
- Contents: Tibial nerve, popliteal artery, popliteal vein, common peroneal nerve, lymph vessels and nodes.
Popliteal Fossa - Significance
- Pulse palpable and dopplerable.
- May present with a popliteal cyst (Bakers cyst) in various knee pathologies or arthritis.
- LA injections can be done in this area.
Summary
- Students should now be able to identify the hamstrings, understand their functions, and identify major nerves and vascular structures in the posterior thigh/popliteal fossa. Students should also have a basic understanding of the clinical significance of the area.
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Description
This quiz explores the anatomical structures and functions of the posterior thigh and popliteal fossa. Key components include the hamstrings, boundaries of the posterior compartment, and relevant blood supply and innervation. Test your knowledge on this crucial area of human anatomy.
