The popliteal fossa contents from superficial to deep in its floor include all of the following in order EXCEPT:

• A Popliteal artery lies deepest (closest to the joint capsule)
• B Common peroneal nerve crosses the medial head of gastrocnemius ✓
• C Popliteal vein is between the artery and the tibial nerve
• D Tibial nerve is the most superficial of the neurovascular structures

Explanation

The mnemonic for popliteal fossa contents from lateral to medial: the common peroneal nerve crosses the medial aspect of the biceps femoris tendon (not the medial head of gastrocnemius). The common peroneal nerve follows the biceps femoris tendon and winds around the neck of the fibula. In the fossa itself from superficial to deep: tibial nerve is most superficial, then popliteal vein, then popliteal artery (deepest against the joint capsule). The superficial-to-deep order (TiNVA: Tibial Nerve, Vein, Artery) is a key exam point.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.