Popliteus: The popliteus in the leg muscle is controlled for unlocking the knees joint during walking, through medially turning the tibia during the closed chain portion of the gait cycle. It is also managed when sitting down and standing up. It is the only muscle in the posterior compartment of the lower leg that works just on the knee and not on the ankle.
Origin: It originates on the lateral femoral epicondyle.
Insertion: Inserts on the posterior surface of the tibia, just proximal to the soleal line.
Function: Rotates knee medially and flexes the leg on the thigh
Nerve Supply: Tibial nerve (L4, L5, S1)