popliteus

Origin

lateral condyle of the femur

Insertion

posterior surface of the tibia above the oblique line

Action

• unlocks the knee
• from the extended locked position, rotates the femur medially, on the fixed (planted) tibial plateau about 5 degrees, unlocking the knee, enabling flexion to occur

Innervation

tibial nerve

More general terms

• skeletal muscle (voluntary muscle)