Popliteal surface of femur

Facies poplitea ossis femoris

  • Latin synonym: Facies poplitea femoris
  • Related terms: Popliteal surface

Definition

The popliteal surface of the femur pertains to the rear surface of the distal end of the femur, which is enclosed by the medial and lateral supracondylar lines. It constitutes the base of the popliteal fossa. While the majority of the popliteal surface is smooth, the origin of the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle can be observed near the lower end of the medial supracondylar line.

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Text written by Muhammad A. Javaid, MD, PhD © 2023 IMAIOS.

  • Standring, S. and Gray, H. (2016). ‘Chapter 80: Pelvic girdle, gluteal region and thigh’ in Gray’s anatomy The anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. (41st ed.) New York: Elsevier, pp. 1348-1353.


Comparative anatomy in animals

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