GENERAL INFORMATION
The popliteus is a small, triangular muscle in the knee joint’s posterior (back) part. Despite its small size, the popliteus plays a significant role in unlocking the knee joint and initiating the process of knee flexion. It provides stability and control during movements such as walking running, as well as changing direction.
ORIGIN
The popliteus muscle originates from the lateral condyle of the femur, which is the rounded prominence at the bottom end of the thigh bone.
INSERTION POINT
The popliteus muscle inserts into the posterior surface of the proximal tibia, which is the more significant bone of the lower leg.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The popliteus muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the popliteal artery, which is located behind the knee joint.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The tibial nerve innervates the popliteus muscle, which arises from the sciatic nerve. The tibial nerve provides motor innervation to the thigh popliteus, allowing it to contract and produce movement.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the popliteus muscle are less common compared to other muscles. However, trigger points in this area can cause pain and tightness in the back of the knee. Therefore, addressing these trigger points is essential for managing pain as well as ensuring proper muscle function.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the popliteus muscle involves the shortening or contraction of the muscle. It also plays a crucial role in initiating knee flexion, significantly when the knee is fully extended.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of the popliteus muscle refers to the controlled lengthening of the muscle while resisting an external force. It is involved in controlling knee extension. It decelerates the forward movement of the shin while walking or running. As a result, this eccentric function helps in maintaining balance and stability.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The isometric function of the popliteus muscle involves contracting the muscle without any change in length. Isometric contractions of the thigh popliteus occur during activities such as maintaining balance and stabilising the knee joint. Consequently, this isometric function is essential for postural control as well as stability.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Popliteus muscle (Musculus popliteus): A small, triangular muscle located at the back of the knee joint, essential for knee flexion and stability.
ANTAGONIST
- The antagonist muscle to the thigh popliteus is the quadriceps femoris, responsible for extending the knee joint. Understanding this antagonistic relationship is essential for balanced muscle training and function.
COMMON INJURIES
- Popliteus strain: Overstretching or tearing the popliteus muscle due to sudden movements or excessive physical activity.
- Meniscal tears: Injuries to the knee’s meniscus, often caused by sudden twisting or rotational movements involving the muscle.
- Knee instability: Dysfunction or damage to the structures that support the knee joint, including the popliteus muscle, leading to instability and decreased control.
EXERCISES
- Seated leg curls: Using a leg curl machine to perform seated leg curls, targeting the hamstrings and the popliteus muscle.
- Step-ups: Stepping onto an elevated platform or step, focusing on engaging the muscle to control knee joint movement.
- Knee flexion with resistance band: Using a resistance band looped around the ankle, perform knee flexion exercises to activate the muscle against the band’s resistance.
STRETCHES
- Standing calf stretch: Placing the hands against a wall, one leg extended behind with the heel on the ground, stretching the calf muscles and the popliteus.
- Seated knee flexion stretch: Sitting on the ground with one leg extended, bending the other knee and pulling it towards the chest to stretch the muscle and the back of the knee.
- Prone quadriceps stretch: Lying face down, bending the knee and grasping the ankle to bring the heel towards the glutes, stretching the front of the thigh and indirectly stretching the muscle.