Deep popliteal nodes

Looks like

About six small lymph nodes deep in the fat behind the knee, around the popliteal vessels.

What it does

Filter deep lymph from the leg and lymph from the outer foot and heel before it passes to the groin.

Keeping it well

Rarely felt; swelling can come from foot infections or spread of skin cancer (melanoma) from the heel.

Related conditions

• ACL & meniscus injury
• Baker's (popliteal) cyst
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Growing pains
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis)
• Lymphoedema
• Pseudogout (calcium pyrophosphate disease)
• Reactive arthritis
• Restless legs syndrome
• Septic arthritis
• Varicose veins