Muscle
Vastus intermedius
Deep quadriceps component against the femur
High-yield
It contributes to the deep quadriceps tendon. Nearby articularis genus bundles connect with this muscle and the knee capsule; their linked anatomy may help draw the suprapatellar recess away during extension.
Overview
Vastus intermedius lies beneath rectus femoris, between the medial and lateral vasti. Its fibers arise from the femoral shaft and feed into the knee's extensor tendon system without crossing the hip.
Reference facts
- Origin
- Anterior and lateral femoral shaft, with an attachment to the lateral intermuscular septum
- Insertion
- Patella through the deep quadriceps tendon system; the patellar ligament continues the force path to the tibial tuberosity
- Action
- Straightens the knee as part of the quadriceps group
- Innervation
- Femoral nerve branches, conventionally within L2-L4, with L3-L4 often emphasized
- Blood supply
- Lateral circumflex femoral and other femoral arterial branches
Frequently asked questions
What does the vastus intermedius do?
The vastus intermedius straightens the knee as part of the quadriceps group.
What nerve innervates the vastus intermedius?
The vastus intermedius is innervated by the femoral nerve branches, conventionally within L2-L4, with L3-L4 often emphasized.
Where does the vastus intermedius attach?
Origin: Anterior and lateral femoral shaft, with an attachment to the lateral intermuscular septum. Insertion: Patella through the deep quadriceps tendon system; the patellar ligament continues the force path to the tibial tuberosity.
What is the blood supply of the vastus intermedius?
Lateral circumflex femoral and other femoral arterial branches.