- Identify and clean the medial and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. (G 6.43;N 503;Gl 32.20) Transect the two heads approximately 6 cm below the knee and reflect in the superior direction. Identify, transect (tendon) and reflect the plantaris muscle in the superior direction. Clean the contents of the popliteal fossa removing the fat and vessels.
- Identify and clean the distal portion of the biceps femoris to its attachment to the fibula. (G 6.51A;N 506;Gl 32.20)
- Identify and clean the lateral (fibular) collateral ligament. (G 6.51A;N 496;Gl 32.7B)
- Identify and clean the distal portion of the semimembranosus muscle to its attachment to the tibia. (G 6.52C;N 493;Gl 32.20)
- Identify and clean the tendon of the adductor magnus muscle. (G 6.50A;N 493;Gl 31.22B)
- Identify and clean the medial (tibial) collateral ligament. (G 6.50A;N 496;Gl 32.7A)
- Return to the popliteal fossa and identify the popliteus muscle. (G 6.52C;N 498;Gl 32.20B). Remove the fascia covering the popliteus and trace its tendon to its attachment to the femur.
- Open and remove the posterior aspect of the joint capsule (and bursae) to expose the posterior and anterior cruciate ligaments, and the posterior margins of the medial and lateral menisci. (G 6.48A;N 496;Gl 32.10B)
Important Relationship
- The biceps femoris (tendon) muscle is positioned lateral to the fibular collateral ligament.
