Author: Dr Peter de Souza
Last modified: 7 November 2022

The vastus lateralis is one of the quadriceps muscles of the anterior compartment of the thigh.

The quadriceps muscles are made up of the rectus femoris, vastus medialis, vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius. The other muscle in the anterior compartment is the sartorius, and within the upper part of the anterior compartment are the distal ends of the ilacus and psoas major muscles.

Origin

  • Superior half of anterior and lateral surfaces of femur

Insertion

  •  Lateral border and base of patella (then joins patella ligament to insert on the tibial tuberosity)

Action

  • Extends the knee

Innervation

  • Muscular branches of femoral nerve: L2,L3, L4

Blood Supply

  • Lateral circumflex femoral artery