The popliteal artery is the main artery of the knee and leg, supplying their ligaments, muscles, and bones. It is located behind the knee joint, in the popliteal fossa.
It arises from the distal end of femoral artery, being its continuation. As it descends behind the distal portion of thigh, the popliteal artery runs through the adductor canal to enter the popliteal fossa at the flexor side of the knee.
When the popliteal artery reaches the proximal portion of tibia, it divides into the anterior and posterior tibial artery. During its course, it gives off the lateral superior genicular, the medial superior genicular, the middle genicular, the sural branches, lateral inferior genicular, and the medial inferior genicular artery.
Below, diagram/drawing of popliteal artery and its main branches. It is the posterior side of the right knee-joint region.
