Vastus lateralis
Musculus vastus lateralis
MuscularSuperficial musclesLegLeft and right
View left in 3D View right in 3D
- What it is
- Largest head of the quadriceps, forming the bulk of the outer thigh. It arises from the greater trochanter, intertrochanteric line, gluteal tuberosity and lateral lip of the linea aspera, and inserts through the quadriceps tendon on the lateral border of the patella.
- Function
- Extends the knee.
- Size
- About 40 cm long and up to 8 cm wide; roughly 3 cm thick at mid-thigh.
- Clinical note
- Common site for intramuscular injections in infants and for muscle biopsies; its lateral pull on the patella is balanced by vastus medialis.