On an axial T1-weighted MRI through the popliteal fossa, four structures are identified from anterior to posterior. Which structure is the deepest, lying closest to the popliteal surface of the femur?

• A Popliteal artery ✓
• B Popliteal vein
• C Tibial nerve
• D Common peroneal nerve

Explanation

Within the popliteal fossa the arrangement from deep to superficial is popliteal artery, popliteal vein, then tibial nerve, so the artery hugs the popliteal surface of the femur. This explains why a supracondylar femoral fracture endangers the popliteal artery while the nerve remains protected posteriorly. The common peroneal nerve follows the medial border of biceps femoris along the superolateral margin of the fossa and does not sit deep to the vessels.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 4th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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