Straight head of rectus femoris - Lower extremity - Bones of lower limb - e-Anatomy
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Straight head of rectus femoris

Caput rectum musculi recti femoris

  • Synonym: Direct head of rectus femoris
  • Related terms: Straight head

Definition

Antoine Micheau and Muhammad A. Javaid

The straight head of the rectus femoris (direct head) is one of its two heads which originates from the anterior inferior iliac spine. The other being the reflected head. The straight head descends vertically from the AIIS, forming the superficial tendon of the rectus femoris. It joins with the reflected head to form a common muscle belly that continues as the quadriceps tendon to the base of the patella. As it crosses both the hip and knee joints, it contributes to hip flexion and knee extension.

References

  • Murdock CJ, Mudreac A, Agyeman K. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Rectus Femoris Muscle. [Updated 2023 Nov 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539897/

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