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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.
Vastus intermedius | |
Origin | Upper two-thirds of anterior and lateral surfaces of femur |
Insertion | Tibial tuberosity via patellar ligament, base of patella |
Action | Leg extension |
Innervation | Femoral nerve (L2 - L4) |
Blood supply | Lateral circumflex femoral and deep femoral arteries |
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.