What is knee pits?

Knee pits, also known as popliteal fossa, are the hollow areas located behind the knees. They are formed by the muscles, tendons, and bones that make up the back of the knee joint. The knee pits are important for movement and mobility as they contain many important structures such as blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes. Nerves and blood vessels that supply the lower leg pass through the knee pits. The popliteal artery, a large artery that supplies blood to the leg, runs through the knee pits. Lymph nodes in the knee pits help in filtering lymphatic fluid from the legs. The knee pits also play a role in regulating body temperature as they have sweat glands that help in cooling down the body. The skin behind the knee is usually thin and can be sensitive to irritation, which can cause itching or discomfort.