Vastus lateralis muscle
Musculus vastus lateralis
- Related terms: Vastus lateralis
Definition
Vastus lateralis muscle (Muscle group: Anterior compartment of thigh) | |
Origin | Greater trochanter, Intertrochanteric line, gluteal tuberosity, and linea aspera of the femur |
Insertion | 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 and stabilizes the knee |
Antagonist | Hamstring |
The vastus lateralis muscle is the largest and most powerful of the four muscles that comprise the quadriceps femoris group, located in the anterior compartment of the thigh.
Origin
The vastus lateralis originates from several sites: the greater trochanter of femur (anterior and inferior borders), the upper part of the intertrochanteric line, the lateral lip of gluteal tuberosity, the lateral lip of the linea aspera, and the lateral intermuscular septum (between vastus lateralis and the short head of biceps femoris muscle).
Insertion
It joins the other quadriceps muscles to form the quadriceps tendon, which inserts into the base and lateral border of the patella. Some fibres continue as part of the lateral patellar retinaculum, and attach to the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament.
Function
It is a pure knee extensor, unlike the rectus femoris, which also flexes the hip.
References
Biondi NL, Varacallo MA. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Vastus Lateralis Muscle. [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532309/
