Popliteus muscle (3D)

This tutorial explores the popliteus muscle, located at the back of the knee. It details the muscle's anatomy, including its position in the popliteal fossa and its attachment points. The popliteus plays a crucial role in unlocking the knee joint by rotating the tibia slightly, allowing for knee flexion. Although it has a negligible effect on knee flexion itself, it helps prevent impingement of the lateral meniscus during knee movement. The tutorial concludes with a summary of these functions.

Explain the locking mechanism of the knee joint and the popliteus muscle's role in it.

How does the popliteus muscle affect the lateral meniscus during knee flexion?