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Now, identify the genicular branches of the popliteal artery. The two superior genicular arteries wind around the femur immediately above the condyles. The medial superior genicular artery lies deep to the semimembranous muscle and the semitendinosus muscle. The lateral superior genicular artery lies deep to the biceps femoris muscle. The middle genicular artery pierces the oblique popliteal ligament and enters the cavity of the knee joint. It may arise from a common trunk with the two superior genicular arteries.
The two inferior genicular arteries arise from the popliteal artery deep to the heads of the gastrocnemius muscle. The medial inferior genicular artery passes around the medial condyle of the tibia. The lateral inferior genicular artery passes laterally around the head of the fibula.Links and References:
Grant's: 5.55 and 5.57;
Netter (1ed.): 486 and 487; (2ed.): 482 and 483;
Rohen/Yokochi: 457 and 458