Quadriceps Femoris

Description

Illustration of quadriceps femoris

E. Anterior attachments of extensors of knee. F. Quadriceps femoris. G. Vastus intermedius. H. Posterior attachments of extensors of knee. I. Vastus medialis and lateralis.

The different muscles in the quadriceps. The vastus intermedius is not visible from the front view. On the left: Original image is extracted from Gray and Lewis (1918). On the right: T1W MRI of a right leg from MUST dataset.

Alternative Names

• Quadriceps femoris muscle
• Quadriceps muscle
• Quadriceps
• Quads
• Anterior thigh muscle group
• Knee extensor mechanism
• Extensor muscles of the thigh

Origin

• Formed by the confluence of four muscles
  • Rectus Femoris
  • Vastus Lateralis
  • Vastus Intermedius
  • Vastus medialis

Insertion

• All four muscles coalesce into the Quadriceps Tendon
• This inserts on the superior pole of the Patella
• Helps form Knee Extensor Mechanism

Actions

• Extension of the Knee
  • Rectus Femoris is a weak hip flexor

Vascular Supply

• Femoral Artery

Innervation

• Femoral Nerve

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Clinical Significance

Pathology

• Quadriceps Tendon Rupture
• Quad Strain
• Quad Tendinitis
• Quad Contusion
• Acute Compartment Syndrome

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See Also

• Thigh Anatomy (Main)
• Hip Pain (Main)
• Knee Pain (Main)

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