Popliteal Lymph Nodes

nodi lymphoidei poplitei

The popliteal lymph nodes are a small group of about six nodes in the fat of the popliteal fossa behind the knee. One sits near the end of the small saphenous vein and the rest lie around the popliteal vessels. They drain the outer side of the foot and back of the calf.

Anatomical Data

Structure & Secretions

Location	Popliteal fossa, embedded in fat around the popliteal artery and vein, with one node near the termination of the small saphenous vein
Receives lymph from	Lateral side of the foot and heel (via vessels along the small saphenous vein) Posterolateral calf Deep tissues of the leg and knee joint
Lymphatic drainage	Deep inguinal lymph nodes

Biomechanics

Function & Actions

Filter superficial lymph from the lateral foot and back of the calf, and deep lymph from the leg.

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Popliteal nodes are rarely palpable, but they can enlarge with infection or melanoma of the heel, lateral foot or posterior calf, and are occasionally identified as sentinel nodes on lymphoscintigraphy. A swelling behind the knee is more often a Baker cyst or popliteal artery aneurysm, which must be distinguished.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Popliteal Node Metastasis

Spread of melanoma from the heel, sole or posterior calf to the popliteal nodes.

Popliteal Lymphadenitis

Inflamed popliteal nodes from infection of the lateral foot or calf.

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