Muscle
Vastus intermedius
Deep quadriceps head
High-yield
Deep to rectus femoris; articularis genus splits from it to retract the knee joint capsule. Femoral nerve.
Overview
The deepest quadriceps muscle, lying directly on the femur beneath rectus femoris, extending the knee.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Anterior and lateral surfaces of the femoral shaft
- Insertion
- Base of the patella and tibial tuberosity via the quadriceps/patellar tendon
- Action
- Extends the knee
- Innervation
- Femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4)
- Blood supply
- Femoral / lateral femoral circumflex arteries
Frequently asked questions
What does the vastus intermedius do?
The vastus intermedius extends the knee.
What nerve innervates the vastus intermedius?
The vastus intermedius is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4).
Where does the vastus intermedius attach?
The vastus intermedius originates from the anterior and lateral surfaces of the femoral shaft and inserts on the base of the patella and tibial tuberosity via the quadriceps/patellar tendon.
What is the blood supply of the vastus intermedius?
The vastus intermedius is supplied by the femoral / lateral femoral circumflex arteries.