popliteus
/pɑpˈlɪtiəs/
noun
- A small muscle at the back of the knee that helps bend the knee and rotate the lower leg.
- The popliteus muscle is important for unlocking the knee when you start to walk.
- Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the popliteus after a knee injury.
- Runners sometimes strain their popliteus if they run on uneven ground.