The posterior aspect of forty cadaver knees was dissected to determine the proximal insertion of the popliteus tendon, particularly its relationship to the lateral meniscus. Thirty-three (82.5 per cent) of the specimens demonstrated no major attachment of the popliteus tendon to the lateral meniscus. Eight specimens were from bilateral dissections and revealed no major asymmetry. On the basis of these dissections, we found no evidence that the popliteus tendon has a role in the retraction and protection of the lateral meniscus.