Vastus Lateralis

Musculus vastus lateralis

Lower Body LegsQuadricepsAnterior Compartment of the ThighAnterior Chain

The largest of the four quadriceps heads, the vastus lateralis forms the outer sweep of the thigh and is a pure knee extensor. It produces a strong lateral pull on the patella, so balanced development with the vastus medialis matters for patellar tracking. High-volume squats, leg presses, and hack squats are primary drivers of its growth.

Actions

Knee extension

Origin

Intertrochanteric line, greater trochanter, gluteal tuberosity, and lateral lip of the linea aspera of the femur.

Insertion

Lateral border of the patella and quadriceps tendon, continuing to the tibial tuberosity via the patellar ligament.

Innervation

Femoral nerve (posterior division, L2–L4).

Blood supply

Lateral circumflex femoral artery (descending branch).

Wikipedia ↗

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