Muscle
Vastus lateralis
Largest quadriceps head
High-yield
Largest quadriceps component; common IM injection site in infants. Femoral nerve.
Overview
The largest of the quadriceps, on the lateral thigh, extending the knee. A common intramuscular injection site.
Reference facts
- Origin
Greater trochanter and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur
- Insertion
Base of the patella and tibial tuberosity via the quadriceps/patellar tendon
- Action
Extends the knee
- Innervation
Femoral nerve (L2, L3, L4)
- Blood supply
Lateral femoral circumflex artery