Home / 3D anatomy models / 3D lower limb / Popliteal fossa

This 3D printed specimen preserves the distal thigh and proximal leg, dissected posteriorly to demonstrate the contents of the popliteal fossa and surrounding region. The proximal cross-section demonstrates the anterior, posterior and medial compartment muscles, with the femoral artery and vein visible within the adductor canal. The sciatic nerve and great saphenous vein are also visible. The skin, superficial fascia, and deep fascia have been removed over the popliteal fossa to expose the contents of the space. The muscular borders of the space are intact except for a window cut into the semimembranosus muscle to allow a view of the popliteal artery and vein near the adductor magnus. On the medial aspect of the window the great saphenous vein descends on the surface of the sartorius muscle. Distally the sartorius is visible joining the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles to form the pes anserinus. All major deep and superficial nerves and vessels of the space are visible, including the superior lateral genicular artery passing towards the anterior compartment of the thigh. Along the lateral margin the posterior aspect of iliotibial tract is visible descending to the lateral epicondyle of the tibia. The distal cross-section demonstrates the continuation of popliteal contents and branches. The great saphenous and small saphenous veins are visible within the superficial fascia, as are the medial and lateral sural cutaneous nerves. Between the muscles of the posterior, lateral, and anterior compartments are the neurovascular bundles of the leg (posterior tibial artery, veins and tibial nerve; peroneal artery and veins; anterior tibial artery, veins and deep peroneal nerve; superficial peroneal nerve).