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Origin: The lateral surface of the lateral condyle of the femur
Insertion: Medial 2/3rds of the triangular area above the soleal line on the posterior surface of the tibia
Actions: Internal rotation of the knee
Innervation: Tibial nerve (L4, L5, S1)
Blood Supply: Popliteal artery
Primary Actions of the Popliteus Muscle
1. Internal rotation of the leg at the knee
Agonists:
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
Antagonists:
- Biceps femoris
Popliteus internally rotates the knee in open kinetic chain and sartorius and gracilis assist with internal rotation of the knee in open kinetic chain. Further, popliteus is a weak external rotator of the femur in closed kinetic chain.
Secondary Actions of the Popliteus Muscle
1. Flexion of the leg at the knee
Agonists:
- Biceps femoris
- Semitendinosus
- Semimembranosus
Antagonists:
- Vastus lateralis
- Vastus medialis
- Vastus intermedius
- Rectus femoris
Gracilis, sartorius, gastrocnemius, and plantaris also assist with flexion of the knee.
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