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Glite Dictionary
popliteus

popliteus

9.9
A small muscle at the back of the knee that helps unlock the joint when you start to walk
  • noun
  • /ˌpɑːplɪˈtiːəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : poplíteo
  • The popliteus muscle is essential for unlocking the knee joint during activities like walking.

Examples

  • Physical therapists often assess the popliteus for issues related to knee stability and movement.

  • Potential donor nerves to restore ankle dorsiflexion by reinnervating the nerve branch to TA include the motor branches to lateral gastrocnemius and popliteus.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Posterolateral corner injuries: the posterolateral corner is made up of the lateral ligaments, popliteus muscle, the posterolateral capsule, and popliteofibular ligaments.

    Blog text (13)

  • When the popliteus contracts, it allows your knee to bend more easily.

Surface Forms

popliteus singular
poplitei plural

Etymology

The word popliteus comes from an old Latin word poples meaning 'back of the knee'. The popliteus is the small muscle at the back of the knee that helps 'unlock' the joint when you start to bend your leg.