PLATE XXXI. 

 THE POPLITEAL SPACE AND GASTROCNEMIUS. 



In this plate the fascia over the popliteal space has been removed and the space 

 cleaned of all the fatty packing material, with which the lymphatic glands have also 

 been removed. (See Plate XXXII for diagram of cutaneous nerve supply.) 



The popliteal apace extends over the lower third of the posterior aspect of the 

 femur, which is included in the bifurcation of the linea aspera, and about the upper 

 sixth of the tibia. It is a lozenge-shaped space whose boundaries are 



Externally. Biceps, outer head of gastrocnemius, and plantaris. 



Internally. Semitendinosus, semimembranosus, gracilis, sartorius, and adductor 

 magnus, inner head of gastrocnemius. 



The Floor. Femur, posterior ligament of the knee, popliteal notch of the tibia, 

 popliteal fascia covering over the popliteus muscle. 



The whole is covered with the deep fascia of the leg, which is very strong, and has 

 in addition to the longitudinal fibres some strong transverse fibres bracing 

 the tendons together. 



The contents of the space are 



Popliteal artery its articular and muscular branches. Popliteal vein and short 



saphenous vein. 

 Internal and external popliteal nerves, their articular and muscular branches, and 



in the upper part of the space the small sciatic, which pierces the fascia to 



become cutaneous about midway down, and deep down the articular branch 



of the obturator nerve to the knee. 

 BUTSCB may be divided into three internal and three external : 



Outtid*. 



1 Under external head of gastro- 



cnrmius communicates with 

 joint. 



2 Under popliteus tendon an ex- 



tension of synovial membrane 

 of joint. 



8 One between the biceps and ex- 

 ternal lateral ligament does 



Inside. 



1 Under internal head of gastro- 



cnemius communicates with 

 joint. 



2 Between semimembranosus and 



back of tibia. 



8 Between semimembranosns and 

 inner head of gastrocnemius 

 often communicates with joint. 



not communicate with joint. 

 Lymplmtic glands, which are central, and receive the lymph from the heel and 

 posterior part of the foot. 



