Deep popliteal nodes
Nodi poplitei profundi
A small group of deep lymph nodes in the fat of the popliteal fossa, around the popliteal artery and vein behind the knee.
At a glance
- English
- Deep popliteal nodes
- Latin (TA2)
- Nodi poplitei profundi
- System
- Lymphatic
- Region
- Lower limb
- Side
- Paired, left and right
About the deep popliteal nodes
The deep popliteal nodes lie in the popliteal fossa, the diamond-shaped space behind the knee. They are embedded in the fat that fills the fossa, around the popliteal artery and vein, and some lie between the artery and the back of the knee joint capsule. There are usually a handful of them, and they are separate from the superficial popliteal node that sits where the small saphenous vein pierces the deep fascia.
The fossa is bounded by the hamstring tendons above and the two heads of gastrocnemius below, and roofed by the popliteal fascia. The tibial nerve is the most superficial of the main contents, then the popliteal vein, with the artery deepest, so the nodes lie close to all three.
Lymph reaches them along the deep lymph vessels of the leg, which accompany the anterior and posterior tibial vessels, and from the knee joint. They also take the superficial lymph of the lateral side of the foot and the heel, which follows the small saphenous vein and drains through the superficial popliteal node. Their outflow runs up with the femoral vessels to the deep inguinal nodes.
Because they lie deep under fascia, they are rarely felt. They may enlarge with infection of the heel or the outer border of the foot, and a cancer such as a melanoma of the heel may spread to them before reaching the groin.
Course and drainage
- Begins at
- Afferent deep lymph vessels running with the anterior and posterior tibial vessels, vessels from the knee joint, and the outflow of the superficial popliteal node carrying lymph from the lateral foot and heel.
- Drains into
- Efferent vessels accompany the femoral vessels to the deep inguinal nodes.
- Drains
- Filters lymph from the deep leg, the knee and, by way of the small saphenous route, the lateral foot and heel. Can enlarge with infection or with spread of a melanoma from the heel or outer foot.
Anthromica
See the deep popliteal nodes where it really sits, with every layer of the body around it.
- Every layer, one body. Peel from muscle to bone, nerve, vessel and organ, and turn it any way.
- English and Latin. Every structure named the way your exam names it.
- Quiz until it sticks. Short drills on the structures you keep missing.
Free to start. No card.
