Vastus Lateralis - Muscle Physiology & Functional Anatomy

Anatomy

Origin:

• Lateral surface of the femur (upper intertrochanteric line, base of greater trochanter, lateral linea aspera, lateral supracondylar ridge & lateral intermuscular septum)

Insertion:

• Lateral quadriceps tendon to patella (via ligamentum patellae into tubercle of tibia)

Major Arteries:

• Femoral artery

Neural Innervation:

• Posterior division of femoral nerve (L3-L4)

Trigger Points:

Physiology

Concentric Functions:

• Knee extension

Eccentric Functions:

• Decelerates knee flexion, adduction & internal rotation during heel strike of gait

Isometric Function:

• Dynamically stabilizes the knee during functional movements

Related Muscles

• Vastus Intermedius

• Vastus Medialis

• Rectus Femoris

Antagonists:

• Hamstrings
  • Biceps Femoris
  • Semimembranosus
  • Semitendinosus

Exercises:

• Leg Exercise Videos

More Images of the Vastus Lateralis Muscle

More Information about the Vastus Lateralis Muscle

The vastus lateralis muscle is one of the 4 muscles in the quadriceps femoris muscle group which includes the rectus femoris, vasus intermedius & vastus medialis.  The vastus lateralis muscle is the largest of the quadriceps femoris muscle group.

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