Vastus intermedius

The vastus intermedius (Latin: musculus vastus intermedius) is one of the muscles that form the quadriceps femoris. It is located in the anterior compartment of the thigh below the rectus femoris muscle and between the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles.

Origin

The vastus intermedius muscle originates from the upper two-thirds of the anterior and lateral surfaces of the femur.

Insertion

Along with other muscles of the quadriceps femoris, the vastus intermedius inserts on the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament. Also, it attaches to the base of the patella.

Action

Like the other muscles forming the quadriceps femoris, the vastus intermedius muscle also extends the leg at the knee joint.

Innervation

The vastus intermedius is innervated by the muscular branches of the femoral nerve (L2 - L4) that arises from the lumbar plexus.

Blood supply

The vastus intermedius muscle receives arterial blood supply from the lateral circumflex femoral and deep femoral arteries.