Lower limb
Medial Subtendinous Bursa of the Gastrocnemius
Bursa subtendinea medialis musculi gastrocnemii
- Origin
- Between the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle and the knee joint capsule
- Insertion
- Often communicates with the bursa of the semimembranosus muscle and the knee joint
- Function
- Reduces friction between the gastrocnemius tendon and the underlying joint capsule during knee movement
- Innervation
- No independent innervation; serous connective tissue
- Movement & chain
- Cushions the gliding of medial gastrocnemius and semimembranosus tendons against the medial femoral condyle.
- Palpation
- Palpable in the posteromedial popliteal fossa between semimembranosus and medial gastrocnemius head; prominent with fluid distension.
- Clinical
- Forms the anatomical basis of Baker's cyst (popliteal cyst); secondary to intra-articular pathology such as meniscus tears or osteoarthritis.
- Segmental innervation
- S1–S2 (tibial nerve)
- In clinical practice
- Frequent repositioning to prevent trochanteric and heel pressure ulcers; ensure hip dislocation precautions in total hip arthroplasty patients.
- Region in the model
- Lower limb