Muscle
Vastus lateralis
Largest quadriceps head
High-yield
Largest quadriceps component; common IM injection site in infants. Femoral nerve.
Overview
The largest of the quadriceps, on the lateral thigh, extending the knee. A common intramuscular injection site.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Greater trochanter and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur
- 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
- Lateral femoral circumflex artery
Frequently asked questions
What does the vastus lateralis do?
The vastus lateralis extends the knee.
What nerve innervates the vastus lateralis?
The vastus lateralis is innervated by the femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4).
Where does the vastus lateralis attach?
The vastus lateralis originates from the greater trochanter and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur and inserts on the base of the patella and tibial tuberosity via the quadriceps/patellar tendon.
What is the blood supply of the vastus lateralis?
The vastus lateralis is supplied by the lateral femoral circumflex artery.