The popliteal fossa is a diamond-shaped depression posterior to the knee joint, enclosed by muscle and fascial tissue with nerves and blood vessels passing through it.
The popliteal fossa is located posterior to the knee joint and is histologically surrounded by a variety of muscles and a portion of fascial tissue. The popliteal fossa is bounded externally and superiorly by the distal biceps tendon, internally and superiorly by the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles, and inferiorly by the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle; it is a rhombic-like depression.
The popliteal fossa structure and the surrounding muscles and tendons can be palpated on the body surface.
The popliteal fossa is an important structure in the posterior aspect of the knee joint and is lined with blood vessels and nerves that pass through it, such as the popliteal artery and popliteal vein, as well as the tibial nerve. Injury to the popliteal fossa or popliteal tumors may cause nerve and blood vessel damage.