MUSCULUS POPLITEUS Meaning and
Definition
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Musculus popliteus is a Latin term that refers to a small muscle located in the posterior compartment of the leg, specifically in the popliteal region. It is triangular in shape and sits deep within the knee joint.
The popliteus muscle originates from the lateral condyle of the femur, which is the bony prominence on the outer side of the thigh bone. From there, it extends downwards and medially to insert into the tibia bone, near the area called the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.
The main function of the musculus popliteus is to assist in the movements of the knee joint. It acts as a key stabilizer, particularly during activities such as walking, running, and climbing stairs. The muscle works by internally rotating the tibia bone and unlocking the knee from a fully extended position. This enables flexion of the knee joint, allowing the leg to bend during movement.
Additionally, the popliteus muscle is also involved in providing stability to the knee joint and preventing excessive rotation of the tibia. It helps protect the knee from injuries, especially during sudden movements or changes in direction.
In summary, the musculus popliteus is a small triangular muscle located in the posterior aspect of the knee joint. Its primary functions include assisting in knee flexion, internal rotation of the tibia bone, and providing stability to the knee joint.
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Origin, externale condyle (epicondyle) of lemur; insertion, posterior surface of tibia above oblique line; nerve supply, tibial; action, flexes leg and rotates it inward.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MUSCULUS POPLITEUS
- nusculus popliteus
- kusculus popliteus
- jusculus popliteus
- mysculus popliteus
- mhsculus popliteus
- mjsculus popliteus
- misculus popliteus
- m8sculus popliteus
- m7sculus popliteus
- muaculus popliteus
- muzculus popliteus
- muxculus popliteus
- mudculus popliteus
- mueculus popliteus
- muwculus popliteus
- musxulus popliteus
- musvulus popliteus
- musfulus popliteus
- musdulus popliteus
- muscylus popliteus
Etymology of MUSCULUS POPLITEUS
The etymology of the word "musculus popliteus" comes from Latin. "Musculus" means "muscle", and "popliteus" is derived from "poples", which means "ham" or "back of the knee" in Latin. Therefore, "musculus popliteus" refers to the muscle located at the back of the knee.
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