Vastus intermedius muscle
Musculus vastus intermedius
- Related terms: Vastus intermedius
Definition
Vastus intermedius muscle (Muscle group: Anterior compartment of thigh) | |
Origin | Anterolateral shaft of femur |
Insertion | Into patella via the tendon of quadriceps femoris and tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament |
Artery | Femoral artery |
Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4) |
Action | Extends the knee |
Antagonist | Hamstring |
The vastus intermedius is the deepest of the four quadriceps femoris muscles, lying between the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis, and deep to the rectus femoris. It is a powerful knee extensor, contributing centrally to the quadriceps tendon.
Origin
Anterior and lateral surfaces of the shaft of the femur (upper two-thirds).
Lateral intermuscular septum of the thigh.
Insertion
Forms the deep portion of the quadriceps tendon, which attaches to the base of the patella.
Indirectly inserts on the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament.
References
Bordoni B, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Thigh Quadriceps Muscle. [Updated 2023 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513334/
