Tendon of quadriceps femoris muscle
Tendo musculi quadricipitis femoris
- Related terms: Tendon of quadriceps femori muscle
Definition
The tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle is a common tendon formed by the convergence of the tendons of the four muscles of the quadriceps femoris: the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius. This tendon inserts into the base of the patella.
The quadriceps tendon is composed of multiple layers. The superficial layer is formed by the rectus femoris tendon, the intermediate layer by the tendons of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, and the deepest layer by the tendon of the vastus intermedius.
The quadriceps tendon is also notable for its variability in thickness and width along its length, which has implications for surgical procedures such as tendon harvesting for ligament reconstruction.
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