popliteal

American  

[pop-lit-ee-uhl, pop-li-tee-] / pɒpˈlɪt i əl, ˌpɒp lɪˈti- /

adjective

Anatomy.

1. of or relating to the ham, or part of the leg back of the knee.

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popliteal British  

/ pɒpˈlɪtɪəl, ˌpɒplɪˈtiːəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or near the part of the leg behind the knee

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Etymology

Origin of popliteal

First recorded in 1780–90; poplite(us) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The Wolffs allege that Wang actually cut the popliteal artery, which is the main supplier of blood to the knee and lower leg.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

Initially, the doctor informed Lisa Wolff that her husband had developed a blood clot in his popliteal artery and amputation might be necessary, according to the lawsuit.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2025

The team said the operation on the 24-year-old from Plano, Texas, took place at New York-Presbyterian Hospital on Parks’ popliteal artery.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 9, 2021

As the popliteal vein passes behind the knee in the popliteal region, it becomes the femoral vein.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

A double superficial femoral, both branches of which may unite and form the popliteal, as in Sir Charles Bell's well-known case.

From A Manual of the Operations of Surgery For the Use of Senior Students, House Surgeons, and Junior Practitioners by Bell, Joseph