Muscle
Rectus femoris
Quadriceps - crosses hip and knee
High-yield
Only quadriceps head that also flexes the hip (crosses two joints). Femoral nerve.
Overview
The only quadriceps muscle that crosses both the hip and knee, so it flexes the hip in addition to extending the knee.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Straight head: anterior inferior iliac spine. Reflected head: ilium above the acetabulum
- Insertion
- Base of the patella, then via the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity
- Action
- Extends the knee and flexes the hip
- Innervation
- Femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4)
- Blood supply
- Lateral femoral circumflex / femoral arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the rectus femoris do?
The rectus femoris extends the knee and flexes the hip.
What nerve innervates the rectus femoris?
The rectus femoris is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4).
Where does the rectus femoris attach?
Origin: Straight head: anterior inferior iliac spine. Reflected head: ilium above the acetabulum. Insertion: Base of the patella, then via the patellar ligament to the tibial tuberosity.
What is the blood supply of the rectus femoris?
The rectus femoris is supplied by the lateral femoral circumflex / femoral arteries.