Vastus medialis muscle
Musculus vastus medialis
- Related terms: Vastus medialis
Definition
Vastus medialis muscle (Muscle group: Anterior compartment of thigh) | |
Origin | Intertrochanteric line (inferior part) of the femur, pectineal line, medial lip of the linea aspera, medial supracondylar line |
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 the knee |
Antagonist | Hamstring |
The vastus medialis muscle is the medial component of the quadriceps femoris group. It lies along the anteromedial aspect of the thigh and plays a critical role in knee extension and patellar stabilization.
Origin
Intertrochanteric line (inferior part) of the femur
Insertion
Joins the other quadriceps muscles to form the quadriceps tendon, which inserts into the base and medial border of the patella.
The distal oblique fibers (Vastus medialis oblique) blend with the medial patellar retinaculum, attaching to the medial condyle of the tibia.
Actions
Extension of the knee joint.
Medial stabilization of the patella during knee extension via the oblique fibres (Vastus medialis oblique). It is crucial in preventing lateral patellar displacement, especially during the final degrees of knee extension.
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/
Bose K, Kanagasuntheram R, Osman MB. Vastus medialis oblique: an anatomic and physiologic study. Orthopedics. 1980 Sep 1;3(9):880-3. doi: 10.3928/0147-7447-19800901-12. PMID: 24822568.
