Distal tendon of vastus lateralis muscle
Tendo distalis musculi vasti lateralis
- Related terms: Tendon of vastus lateralis muscle
Definition
The distal tendon of the vastus lateralis muscle is a part of the quadriceps tendon, which inserts into the patella. The vastus lateralis muscle itself is the most lateral of the quadriceps muscles and has a complex insertion pattern: the vastus lateralis inserts distally into the superolateral border and base of the patella and dditionally has attachment sites to the lateral intermuscular septum, the iliotibial band, and the rectus tendon.[1]
The quadriceps tendon, which includes contributions from the vastus lateralis, is composed of multiple layers. The superficial part of the vastus lateralis contributes to the second layer of the quadriceps tendon, while the intermediate part contributes to the third layer.[2]
References
1.The Vastus Lateralis Muscle: An Anatomical Investigation.Becker I, Baxter GD, Woodley SJ.Clinical Anatomy (New York, N.Y.). 2010;23(5):575-85. doi:10.1002/ca.20974.
2.A New Look at Quadriceps Tendon - Is It Really Composed of Three Layers?.Olewnik Ł, Zielinska N, Ruzik K, et al.The Knee. 2023;40:292-304. doi:10.1016/j.knee.2022.11.005.
3.Anatomy of Vastus Lateralis Muscle Flap.Tayfur V, Magden O, Edizer M, Atabey A.The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery. 2010;21(6):1951-3. doi:10.1097/SCS.0b013e3181f4ee7f.
