Vastus lateralis

The vastus lateralis (Latin: musculus vastus lateralis) is one of four muscles that form the quadriceps femoris muscle. It is situated on the lateral side in the anterior compartment of the thigh, and therefore, it belongs to the thigh muscle group. The vastus lateralis is the largest of the quadriceps femoris muscles. It stretches between the femur, patella and tibia.

Origin

The vastus lateralis originates from the greater trochanter, upper part of the intertrochanteric line, superior aspect of the lateral lip of the linea aspera and gluteal tuberosity of the femur.

Insertion

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

Action

The vastus lateralis provides the extension of the leg at the knee joint.

Innervation

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

Blood supply

The vastus lateralis receives arterial blood supply from the ascending, transverse and descending branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and perforating branches of the deep femoral artery.