The Quadriceps (Fig 4)
Muscle Origin Insertion Action Nerve Palpation Image
rectus femoris | Anterior aspect illium | Base of the patella and patellar ligament to the tibial tiberosity | extends leg, flexes thigh | femoral nerve | Anterior surface of the thigh | |
vastus lateralis) | Outer surface femur(back of femur) and upper half of the aspera | lateral part of patella and patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity | extends the leg | femoral nerve | Lateral middle side of the thigh | |
vastus medialis) | Whole length of the linea aspera of femur and medial surface of the femur | Inner half of the upper border of the patella and patellar ligament to the tibial tubersosity | extends the leg | femoral nerve | Anterior medial side of the thigh near the knee joint | |
vastus intermedius) | anterior and lateral surface of femur | Base of the patella and patellar ligament to the tibial tubersosity | extends leg | femoral nerve |
Cannot be pelpated ( under the rectus femoris muscle) |