128 



DISSECTION OF THE POPLITEAL SPACE. 



external: The external branch perforates the intermuscular septum, and 



divides in the substance of the crureus. Some of the branches 

 end in that muscle, and anastomose with the external circumflex 

 (of the profunda) ; others descend to the joint and anastomose with 

 the lower external articular artery ; and one offset forms an arch 

 across the front with the anastomotic artery. 



internal. The internal artery, oftentimes very small, winds beneath the 



Popliteal artery 



Adductor magnus. 

 Upper muscular. 



Upper muscular. 



Tendon of adductor 

 magnus. 



Upper internal articular. 



Azygos. 



Semimembranosus . 

 Gastrocnemius (inner 

 head). 



Lower muscular. 

 Expansion to posterior 

 ligament of joint. 



Expansion over popliteus. 



Lower internal articular. 

 Internal lateral ligament. 



Long head 

 Short head 



Bicep 



Upper external articular 



Lower muscular. 

 Gastrocnemius (outer 



head). 

 Tendon of biceps. 



Plantaris. 



External lateral ligament. 

 Lower external articular. 

 Expansion over tendon 

 of popliteus. 



Popliteus. 

 Anterior tibial. 



Posterior tibial. 



FIG. 52. POPLITEAL ARTERY AND BRANCHES. 



Two 

 inferior : 



external ; 



tendon of the adductor magnus, and terminates in the vastus in- 

 terims ; it supplies this and the knee-joint, and communicates with 

 the deep part of the anastomotic artery. 



4. The inferior articular arteries lie beneath the gastrocnemius, 

 but are not on the same level on opposite sides of the limb ; for 

 the inner one descends below the internal tuberosity of the tibia, 

 while the outer one is placed above the head of the fibula. Each 

 lies beneath the lateral ligament of its own side. 



The external branch supplies the outer side of the knee-joint, 



