Popliteal Artery: Anatomy, Supply & Clinical Significance

The popliteal artery is the direct continuation of the femoral artery after it passes through the adductor hiatus. It courses through the popliteal fossa and terminates by dividing into the anterior and posterior tibial arteries. This vital vessel supplies blood to the knee joint and surrounding structures of the lower leg.

Key Structures Supplied

• Knee joint: Articular branches supply the synovial membrane, ligaments, and articular surfaces.
• Gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles: Via the sural arteries.
• Soleus muscle: Through muscular branches.
• Popliteus muscle: Direct muscular supply.
• Skin and fascia: Cutaneous branches to the posterior leg.

Clinical Relevance

The popliteal artery is vulnerable to injury in knee dislocations and fractures of the distal femur or proximal tibia. Its deep location makes pulse palpation challenging but essential in vascular assessment. Aneurysms, though rare, can compress adjacent nerves (tibial and common peroneal).